The Turkish government has once again voiced serious concerns over the sustained presence and influence of the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) in Nigeria. Turkish officials warn that the group, which Ankara accuses of orchestrating the 2016 failed coup attempt, continues to pose a global security threat and remains active under the guise of legitimate civil institutions.

Mehmet Poroy, Turkey’s newly appointed Ambassador to Nigeria, raised the alarm on Tuesday night during a dinner hosted by the Turkish Embassy in Abuja. The event marked Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day, an annual commemoration of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt that the Turkish government blames squarely on the FETO network.

Poroy used the occasion to highlight Turkey’s enduring battle against what it describes as a shadowy and highly organized global movement bent on political infiltration and subversion. Speaking to dignitaries and Nigerian officials in attendance, the ambassador urged Nigeria to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring FETO’s ongoing operations within its borders.

“The fact that new investigations and arrests into the organisation continue to be launched demonstrates the need for this struggle to be pursued with unwavering determination,” Poroy stated.

Ankara’s Longstanding Accusations Against FETO

The Turkish government accuses FETO—an organization linked to the late US-based Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gülen—of being behind the 2016 coup attempt that left at least 251 people dead and over 2,000 injured. Gülen, a former ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan turned fierce critic, led a religious and social movement known as Hizmet (“Service”), which operated a wide range of educational, humanitarian, and media institutions across the globe.

After the failed coup, Ankara designated FETO as a terrorist group and embarked on a sweeping global crackdown. Turkish authorities have since arrested thousands of alleged members, shut down schools and businesses linked to the movement, and requested the extradition of Gülen, who remained in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania until his death in October 2024.

Gülen died at the age of 83 while still a wanted man in Turkey, never having stood trial in his home country. Despite denying involvement in the coup and rejecting the terrorism label, his movement has been severely weakened by years of aggressive pressure from Ankara.

Poroy Warns of FETO’s Continued Activities in Nigeria

Ambassador Poroy stressed that, despite global efforts to dismantle FETO’s structure, the group remains active, including in Nigeria, where it allegedly operates under benign fronts such as education, healthcare, humanitarian aid, and interfaith dialogue.

“In several countries, including Nigeria, FETO continues to pump its operations under the presence of humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and interfaith dialogue,” he noted.

He went further to caution Nigerian authorities that these initiatives serve as a facade for deeper, covert activities designed to influence political and bureaucratic 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,” Poroy emphasized.

A Global Campaign Against the Gülen Movement

Since the 2016 coup, Turkey has intensified its efforts to dismantle FETO’s global networks. Ankara has seized or frozen billions of dollars in assets linked to the group, including educational institutions, media organizations, companies, and foundations.

Turkey’s determination has gained support from several international allies. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Pakistan, and Northern Cyprus have officially designated FETO as a terrorist organization. These endorsements have bolstered Ankara’s diplomatic push to isolate the group globally.

Nigeria’s Position Remains Delicate

While Turkish authorities continue to pressure their Nigerian counterparts, the issue remains diplomatically sensitive. Nigeria hosts several institutions and educational outfits with alleged links to the Gülen movement, though no official stance has been taken by the Nigerian government to classify FETO as a terrorist organization.

However, Ankara’s persistent engagement suggests Turkey expects stronger cooperation from Nigeria in identifying and shutting down FETO-linked activities within the country. The Turkish embassy has maintained that their request is not only about bilateral ties but part of a broader global security concern.

Remembering July 15: Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day

The dinner event also served as a solemn reminder of the 2016 failed coup attempt, which has become a pivotal moment in modern Turkish history. That night, rogue military officers commandeered tanks and fighter jets in a bid to overthrow President Erdoğan’s government. The attempt was thwarted by Turkish armed forces loyal to the government and civilians who took to the streets in protest.

The government has since labeled those who participated as terrorists, and hundreds of thousands have faced trial or disciplinary measures within Turkey’s military, judiciary, and civil service.

The Turkish narrative maintains that FETO orchestrated the attempt through its clandestine operatives who had infiltrated key institutions. That version of events continues to form the foundation for Turkey’s uncompromising stance on eliminating the group’s global presence.

A Persistent Threat, According to Ankara

Almost a decade later, the Turkish government insists that FETO has merely adapted its strategy and continues to manipulate charitable and educational fronts to regain its influence. Turkish officials claim that the group remains highly organized, well-funded, and capable of leveraging its global network to achieve political and ideological objectives.

Ambassador Poroy’s remarks in Abuja reflect Turkey’s ongoing mission to keep the issue of FETO alive on the global diplomatic agenda. While the group’s presence in many countries has diminished, Turkey views complacency as dangerous.

Final Thoughts

The Turkish government’s renewed warning over FETO’s presence in Nigeria highlights not only Ankara’s continued vigilance but also the complex diplomatic terrain that such allegations navigate. For Nigeria, the issue touches on sensitive concerns around national sovereignty, freedom of association, and international partnerships.

Nevertheless, Ankara appears determined to ensure that the legacy of the 2016 coup attempt remains a global cautionary tale—and that the movement it holds responsible finds no safe haven anywhere, including in Africa’s largest democracy.