The Turkish government has raised concerns over the continued presence and activities of what it calls the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) in Nigeria, warning that the group poses a threat to national and international security.

Mehmet Poroy, the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, issued the warning on Tuesday night in Abuja during a dinner hosted by the Turkish Embassy to commemorate the country’s Democracy and National Unity Day—an annual event marking the failed July 15, 2016, coup attempt in Türkiye.

The coup, which the Turkish government says was orchestrated by the Gülen movement—labelled FETO by Ankara—was thwarted by a public uprising and loyal security forces.

The Turkish government continues to pursue a global crackdown on the group, which it accuses of attempting to overthrow the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Poroy stated that despite international efforts, FETO remains active in various countries under the guise of educational, healthcare, and humanitarian initiatives, including in Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organisation still maintains its activities in Nigeria, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare,” Poroy said. “We consistently inform our Nigerian friends about the nature and dangers of this organisation, and urge them to remain vigilant and cautious.”

He added that several institutions tied to the group, particularly schools, had been taken over by Turkish authorities or affiliated institutions in other countries, but warned that FETO’s international infrastructure had not yet been fully dismantled.

“In several countries, including Nigeria, FETO continues to operate under the presence 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,” he warned.

Poroy said Turkey’s global campaign against FETO had led to multiple arrests and disruptions of alleged sleeper cells, and reiterated his government’s call for deeper cooperation with allies to prevent the group from expanding its influence.

FETO is Ankara’s designation for the Gülen movement, led by the late Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen, who died in the U.S. in October 2024 at the age of 83. While the movement defines itself as a faith-based and social development initiative known as Hizmet (“Service”), Turkey accuses it of plotting the failed coup and has labelled it a terrorist group.

Nine years after the attempt, Turkey maintains that FETO remains a serious threat. Authorities say the crackdown has resulted in the seizure or closure of billions of dollars’ worth of Gülen-linked assets, including schools, universities, and non-governmental organisations.

Poroy added that international vigilance remains crucial, citing that new investigations and arrests continue globally. He emphasised the importance of ongoing scrutiny, especially in regions where FETO-affiliated entities remain active.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and countries such as Pakistan and Northern Cyprus have aligned with Turkey’s position, designating FETO as a terrorist organisation.

No official response has been issued yet by the Nigerian government on the ambassador’s remarks.