Turkish envoy in Nigeria rejects 'espionage' claims

By Gokhan Kavak

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) is acting against Turkey in Nigeria, Ankara’s ambassador to the West African nation has told Anadolu Agency.

Hakan Cakil, said FETO -- blamed for Turkey’s July 15, 2016 coup attempt -- was continuously circulating false news about the Turkish president, government and some Turkish representatives in Nigeria.

"We have reduced these propaganda activities since March as a result of the work we have done," he said.

In February the Center for Quranic Reciters of Nigeria claimed Turkey’s Maarif Foundation and its Presidency of Religious Affairs, or Diyanet, could be used to spread a “culture of intolerance” or “partake in other acts of espionage that may undermine or threaten our national interest”.

The Maarif Foundation was established after the 2016 coup attempt, to take over the administration of overseas FETO-linked schools.

Local media cited the group as saying the Diyanet had spied on the orders of Turkish government in Nigeria and in 37 other countries.

"It is never possible for Turkey to engage in any espionage or other harmful activity against Nigeria or the people of Nigeria," Cakil said.

He also said Turkey's promotional activities in Nigeria were continuing.

Cakil said the Diyanet had provided scholarships for Nigerian students, as well as support for elementary schools in the capital Abuja plus had opened water wells in the region.

Turkey has warned countries about FETO, which established a network of schools and educational institutes around the world.

According to the Turkish government, FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup which left 249 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara has said FETO is behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.