This is a serious and alarming development that demands our immediate attention! The Turkish government has just issued a chilling warning, claiming that members of the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), which they designate as a terrorist group, are not only present in Nigeria but are actively operating in several countries across the globe!
Can you feel that sense of urgency and concern? This isn’t just a diplomatic formality; it’s a direct alert from one nation to another about a perceived threat. And what makes it even more unsettling? Turkey alleges that this group is using seemingly innocuous fronts like schools and health services as a cover for its operations in Nigeria!
The Ambassador’s Revelation: A Threat Under Cover
The revelation came from the newly appointed Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy. He disclosed this on Tuesday night in Abuja, during a dinner organized by the Turkish Embassy to mark a very significant event for Turkey: the country’s Democracy and National Unity Day.
This annual ceremony commemorates the tragic events of July 15, 2016, when a failed coup attempt rocked Türkiye. The Turkish government firmly asserts that this attempted coup was orchestrated by these very “FETO terrorists.” They maintain that the coup was successfully quelled by the collective resistance of patriotic Turkish forces and citizens who bravely resisted the mutiny against the government of President Recep Erdoğan.
According to Ambassador Poroy, members of the Gülen movement (which is the broader movement associated with FETO and Fethullah Gülen, whom Turkey accuses of masterminding the coup) are still being captured and arrested globally. This ongoing international crackdown underscores the seriousness with which Turkey views this organization.
And here’s the core of Ambassador Poroy’s warning for Nigeria and other nations: “The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates.” This is a direct, unambiguous statement, implying that FETO’s alleged activities are not just a problem for Turkey, but a potential national security risk for any host country.
What is FETO? Turkey’s Perspective
To understand the gravity of Turkey’s warning, it’s important to grasp their perspective on FETO. The Turkish government views FETO not as a religious or educational movement, but as a clandestine, hierarchical organization that infiltrated state institutions (like the military, judiciary, and police) with the long-term goal of seizing control of the state. They accuse FETO of being behind the 2016 coup attempt, as well as other criminal activities.
The claim that FETO uses schools and health services as a cover is particularly alarming. These are sectors that typically enjoy public trust and provide essential services. If true, it means that seemingly benign institutions could potentially be used for illicit activities, intelligence gathering, or radicalization, making them incredibly difficult to detect and counter.
Implications for Nigeria: A Call for Vigilance
This warning from Turkey places Nigeria in a sensitive position. As a sovereign nation, Nigeria must assess the credibility and implications of such a claim. If FETO is indeed operating within Nigeria’s borders, especially under the guise of legitimate services, it could pose several risks:
- National Security: The potential for a foreign-designated terrorist organization to operate clandestinely could undermine Nigeria’s own security.
- Diplomatic Relations: It could create friction in Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with Turkey, a significant partner.
- Public Trust: If institutions like schools and hospitals are indeed being used as fronts, it could erode public trust in vital service providers.
This warning from Ambassador Poroy is a clear call for vigilance and perhaps a deeper investigation by Nigerian authorities into the nature of these organizations operating within its borders. It highlights the complex web of international security threats and the need for nations to share intelligence and collaborate to counter them. Our attention is certainly piqued, and we’ll be watching to see how Nigeria responds to this serious alert from Turkey.
 is active in Nigeria and globally, using schools and health services as a cover. Ambassador Mehmet Poroy stated FETO poses a serious national threat.){kind=link}