NHRC: Swift Trials of Arrested Leaders of Ansaru Sect Must Start

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the federal government to ensure swift trials for the arrested leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, holding them accountable for their heinous crimes. The NHRC made this call during a presentation of the July 2025 Human Rights Dashboard in Abuja.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) commended the government and security forces for recent successful operations against the Ansaru group. However, the Department of State Services (DSS) cautioned the Federal High Court in Abuja against granting bail to five men allegedly involved in an attack on a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State, due to their alleged links to foreign terrorist groups.

Despite these efforts, security challenges persist, with the recent killing of 13 worshippers in Katsina State. The NHRC emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity and protecting human rights in the country, calling for increased collaboration between security agencies.