Dare Babalola
The Turkish government has warned the Nigerian government of the presence of a terrorist group known as the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).
The warning was issued at a dinner organised by the Turkish Embassy to mark the country’s Democracy and National Unity Day on Tuesday night.
According to the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, the terrorist group also operates in other countries around the world.
Poroy stated that FETO covers their atrocious operations using schools and health services.
The Turkey government holds the Democracy and National Unity Day annually to mark the failed coup orchestrated by the terrorist group on July 15, 2016.
Ambassador Poroy, while speaking at the anniversary disclosed that members of the Gülen movement, which sponsored the coup, are still being captured and arrested globally; hence, their presence in any country poses a serious national threat.
“They are still being captured and arrested today. The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates.
“Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organisation still maintains its activities in Nigeria, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
“We consistently inform our Nigerian friends about the nature and dangers of this organisation, and urge them to remain vigilant and cautious,” Poroy said.
He warned that the international structures of the FETO group, which consists of schools and hospitals are still in existence, despite the Turkish government’s effort to disrupt their cells and networks.
He continued, “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.
“In several countries, including Nigeria, FETO continues to pump its operations under the guise of humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and interfaith dialogue.
“You must not forget that behind this humanitarian appearance lies an organisation that seeks to infiltrate the political and bureaucratic institutions of host countries.”
