The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has responded strongly to a recent warning issued by the Turkish government regarding the alleged presence of Gulenist terrorists in Nigeria, described the claim as baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 21, 2025, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of “crying wolf where there is none,” urged him to desist from targeting Turkish-linked educational and humanitarian organisations in Nigeria.
According to MURIC, the Turkish government had recently called on Nigerian authorities to be wary of supposed terrorist elements linked to the Gulen movement operating in the country. However, Professor Akintola dismissed the claim, insisting that the Turkish groups in Nigeria are legitimate institutions committed to educational and charitable services.
“We take this warning with a pinch of salt. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is crying wolf where there is none. He is afraid of his own shadow,” the statement read. “Nigeria is not a satellite of Turkiye. Therefore, he cannot manipulate Nigeria to satisfy his narrow, diabolical objectives.”
The Islamic human rights organisation further stated that Erdogan has used such allegations in the past to suppress dissent and eliminate political opposition at home, adding that Nigeria must not become an accomplice in such undemocratic practices.
“It is gratifying to note that even the Nigerian government has rejected his sinister advances and wrongful insinuations,” Akintola added, referencing the Federal Government’s recent dismissal of Turkiye’s claims as reported in the media.
MURIC maintained that the Turkish organisations operating in Nigeria are peaceful entities that have contributed immensely to educational development and humanitarian support across the country. It urged the Nigerian government to continue engaging such groups positively and resist external political pressure.
“As a democratic nation, we will not be complicit in the suppression of the opposition in other countries. We advise the Turkish leader to leave the followers of the late Shaykh Gulen in Nigeria alone and to stop crying wolf where there is none,” the statement concluded.
MURIC reaffirmed its commitment to justice, transparency, and the protection of legitimate humanitarian and educational partnerships within Nigeria.
