Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoan claims that the “terrorist organization” behind the failed coup attempt in July 2016 is now operating illegally in Nigeria.
Erdogan, who is in Nigeria for a two-day visit, revealed this through an interpreter at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Over 200 people were killed and over 2,000 more were injured in the 2016 coup, which has been hailed as a watershed moment in Turkish history.
The Turkish President had previously blamed the incident on the “Fethullah terrorist organization (FETO)” and hailed the failed coup as a triumph for democracy in Turkey.
Erdogan while speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, said his country is willing to offer the necessary support to Nigeria to assist in the country’s fight against insurgency and other armed groups.
He said, “We have been closely monitoring the developments unfolding in Nigeria. The terrorist organisations, the armed gangs, and the marine bandits are continuously active in Nigeria and the Nigerian authorities are continuously fighting against them. In order to cooperate further in the fields of military defence and security, we are doing everything that will be available.
“On this occasion, I also would like to take this opportunity once again to extend my most heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters of Nigeria who have lost their lives as a result of terrorist attacks. I hope and pray that Allah will bestow upon those who stayed behind the utmost patience and strength.
“We are ready to share our ever-expanding capabilities with Nigeria, especially in the field of defence industry and security which are being praised by the entire globe. This sensitivity that we showcase in fighting terrorism, I hope will be reciprocated by our Nigerian brothers and sisters and our counterparts.
“As you are probably aware, Turkey has been fighting against terrorist organisations for many many decades such as the PKK, PYD, FETO, Daesh, and other terrorist organisations.
“The perpetrator of the heinous failed coup of July 15, FETO, is still illegally active in Nigeria. And we are continuously sharing our intelligence with the Nigerian authorities. I hope and pray that our Nigerian brothers will forge closer solidarity in this field with us.”
The Turkish President, therefore, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for “having shown us the utmost hospitality”, and also extended his condolences to victims of the recent attack by gunmen in Sokoto.