The Turkish government has raised alarm over the operations of a global terror group known as the Fethullah Terrorist Organization, or FETO, warning that the group remains active in countries like Nigeria under the guise of humanitarian aid.
Speaking during a Democracy and National Unity Day dinner on Tuesday night, Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria Mehmet Poroy said FETO — the group behind the failed 2016 coup attempt in Turkey — still poses a threat to nations around the world.
“They are still being captured and arrested today,” Poroy said. “The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates.”
Poroy noted that FETO’s influence in Nigeria continues, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors. He said Turkish authorities have consistently engaged Nigerian officials to expose the group’s tactics and raise awareness of its long-term goals.
“Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organisation still maintains its activities in Nigeria,” he said. “We consistently inform our Nigerian friends about the nature and dangers of this organisation, and urge them to remain vigilant and cautious.”
Despite efforts to dismantle its operations in Turkey, Poroy said FETO’s global network remains intact and continues to grow under the cover of non-governmental activities.
“In several countries, including Nigeria, FETO continues to pump its operations under the guise of humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and interfaith dialogue,” he said. “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 urged Nigerians to be wary of what he described as “Trojan horse” efforts, seemingly innocent programs that mask the group’s real intentions.
