Who Are They?
The Gülen movement, also known as Hizmet (“Service” in Turkish), is purportedly a transnational religious, educational, and social network founded in the 1960s by Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen.
Also called FETÖ (Fethullah Terrorist Organisation), by the Turkish government, it’s founder Fethullah Gülen, died as a fugitive in October 2024 at the age of 83, in Pennsylvania, United States.
The group reportedly started as a religious and educational network but later became deeply involved in politics, business, media, and charity work across many countries, including Nigeria.
At first, the group had strong ties with the Turkish government. But in 2016, it was accused of planning a failed coup attempt in Turkey, which left over 250 people dead.
Since then, the Turkish government declared it a terrorist organisation and has been shutting down its institutions around the world.
Reports also revealed that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council, alongside countries like Pakistan and Northern Cyprus, have designated FETO as a terrorist organisation.
READ ALSO: Turkey Warns Nigeria of New Terrorist Group ‘Fethullah’
What Is FETÖ Doing in Nigeria?
On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Turkey’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, warned that FETÖ is still active in Nigeria.
According to him, the group hides behind schools, hospitals, and charity work to quietly spread its influence.
He said these activities are not just for service but are being used to “infiltrate” Nigerian institutions.
Some organisations in Nigeria purportedly linked to the movement include: Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC), Nile University, Nizamiye Hospital, and Surat Group
How Does the Group Operate?
According to Turkish officials, FETÖ works by:
- Establishing respected institutions to build a good image
- Offering scholarships and jobs to win public trust
- Building quiet links with influential figures
- Gradually gaining influence in government and public institutions
Should Nigeria Be Worried?
The Nigerian military says there’s no confirmed evidence that FETÖ is involved in terrorism.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, on Thursday, July 16, stressed that Nigeria will not adopt foreign narratives without its own thorough assessments.
“We cannot take what other people are saying about Nigeria and accept it without our own independent assessment,” Kangye said. “Nigeria knows what it is, and the Nigerian military has its own code of conduct and operational guidelines.”
However, experts warn that it would be unwise to completely ignore Turkey’s warning.
Nigeria is already battling multiple security threats, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, and recently emerging terror groups like Lakurawa and Mahmuda, which have been causing unrest in parts of the North.
If the claims are true, FETÖ’s operations could lead to long-term security risks and hidden foreign influence. Investigating the matter simply means protecting Nigeria’s national interest.
Bottom Line
FETÖ may appear peaceful, but Turkey believes the group is dangerous and deceptive. Nigeria should not take such warnings lightly.
Careful checks, proper investigations, and wise decisions will help protect the country from any hidden threats while maintaining good diplomatic relations.