The Turkish government has raised concern over the continued presence of members of the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) in Nigeria, linking the group to global security risks.
Speaking in Abuja during an event hosted by the Turkish Embassy to mark Democracy and National Unity Day, Turkey’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, pointed to the group’s activities across various sectors, especially education and healthcare.
The day commemorates the July 15, 2016, failed coup in Türkiye, which the Turkish authorities blame on FETO.
The attempt, which led to the deaths of over 250 people, was halted by Turkish security forces and civilians loyal to the government.
Poroy explained that the Gülen movement, widely believed to have planned the coup, continues to run operations under different banners in several countries, including Nigeria.
He noted that these activities are often disguised as humanitarian work, but warned that their real goal is to gain influence in political and government systems abroad.
Turkish efforts to track and dismantle the group’s networks have reportedly led to the arrest and capture of numerous members across different regions.
Several countries have cooperated with Ankara in shutting down schools and institutions linked to FETO, transferring control of some to Turkish authorities.
Although progress has been made, Poroy stated that the organisation’s international network remains active.
He urged caution and cooperation from friendly nations like Nigeria, pointing out that the movement still uses platforms like interfaith dialogue, charity, and education to operate.
Fethullah Gülen, the movement’s founder and a former Islamic preacher, died in October 2024 in the United States while in exile. He was accused by Türkiye of masterminding the 2016 coup.
Some international bodies and countries such as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan, and Northern Cyprus have also identified FETO as a terrorist group.