The Turkish government has raised fresh security concerns, warning that the controversial Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), which it blames for a failed 2016 coup attempt, continues to operate in Nigeria under the guise of education and healthcare. Turkish authorities are urging Nigerian officials to take the threat seriously.
Turkey’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, issued the warning on Tuesday night, July 15, 2025, at a dinner hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Abuja to mark Türkiye’s Democracy and National Unity Day. The event commemorates the failed coup attempt of July 15, 2016, which the Turkish government attributes to the global network allegedly led by exiled Islamic cleric Fethullah Gülen.
Poroy, addressing dignitaries and media, described FETO’s continued presence in Nigeria as a national security concern.
“Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organisation still maintains its activities in Nigeria, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare,” he said.
“We consistently inform our Nigerian friends about the nature and dangers of this organisation, and urge them to remain vigilant and cautious.”
The Gülen movement, also known as “Hizmet” (meaning “Service” in Turkish), was founded in the 1950s by Fethullah Gülen, a cleric who lived in self-exile in the United States until his death in October 2024 at the age of 83.
The Turkish government holds the group responsible for orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt that left over 250 people dead and hundreds injured. Since then, Ankara has designated FETO as a terrorist organisation and launched a global crackdown to dismantle its networks.
According to Ambassador Poroy, the group is still active globally, and Turkey has successfully shut down or taken over FETO-linked schools and organisations in several countries.
“They are still being captured and arrested today,” he said. “The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates.”
He cautioned that while the group may present itself as a benign social movement through humanitarian and interfaith activities, its ultimate aim is infiltration of state and political institutions in host countries.
“You must not forget that behind this humanitarian appearance lies an organisation that seeks to infiltrate the political and bureaucratic institutions of host countries,” he warned.
Though the Gülen movement denies any involvement in the coup and rejects the terrorism label, several countries—including Pakistan, Northern Cyprus, and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—have officially recognised FETO as a terrorist group, aligning with Ankara’s position.
Following the 2016 coup, Turkey undertook an aggressive purge of FETO-linked institutions and individuals, both within and outside the country, freezing assets and seizing control of affiliated schools, businesses, and foundations.
As Turkey continues to mount diplomatic pressure across the globe, Nigeria may come under increased scrutiny for its continued tolerance of FETO-linked operations. With Ankara calling for “vigilance and caution,” the spotlight is now on Nigerian authorities to determine whether any action will be taken or if diplomatic dialogue will continue behind closed doors.
As of now, the Nigerian government has not issued an official response. However, with the growing frequency of security warnings from foreign allies, it remains to be seen whether this latest alert will prompt concrete action or remain in the realm of diplomatic caution.
