President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, who is in Nigeria for a two-day official visit, has stated that the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), which he blames for the failed coup attempt against his government on July 15, 2016, is still operating in Nigeria.
Addressing reporters in Turkish and translated by one of his entourage members, Erdogan encouraged Nigeria to help his nation in fighting terrorism, noting that they have been exchanging intelligence with Nigerian interlocutors and authorities.
He also noted the Nigeria is one of the oldest allies of Turkey in Africa, as they’ve had 60 years of diplomatic ties.
Erdogan said;
“Distinguished members of the press, as Turkey, we have been closely monitoring the developments unfolding in Nigeria, our brotherly and friendly nation.
“The terrorist organisations, the armed gangs and the marine bandits are continuously active in Nigeria and the Nigerian authorities are continuously fighting against them. So, in order to cooperate further in the fields of military, defense, and security, we are doing everything that will be available….
“As we’re probably aware of the fact that Turkey has been fighting against terrorist organisations for many decades, such as the PKK, PYD, FETO, DASH and other terrorist organisations.
“The perpetrator of the heinous failed coup of July the 15th, FETO, is still illegally active in Nigeria, and we are continuously sharing our intelligence with the Nigerian interlocutors and authorities. I hope and pray that our Nigerian brothers will forge a closer solidarity in this field with us, the Republic of Turkey. I hope and pray that our visit will yield the most auspicious results and I would like to thank my distinguished brother, President Buhari, for being such a gracious host for me and for my delegation”