Fethullah Gulen Movement of Turkey in Nigeria and its impact on bilateral relations with faith-based organisations

Faith-based organizations have garnered significant attention in International Relations studies, reflecting their growing influence in contemporary global politics, particularly in development, conflict resolution, forced migration, and social welfare. This paper examines the Fethullah Gulen Movement's involvement in Nigeria and its impact on bilateral relations, focusing on faith-based organizations' roles. The study employs complex interdependence, equilibrium, and social movement theories as its theoretical framework. Qualitative data were collected from participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal Nigeria's cordial relationships with Turkey across multiple fronts, despite changes in some Turkish businesses in Nigeria following the 2016 failed coup. Notably, the coup did not diminish the Gulen movement's activities in Nigeria but led to operational transformations. This study recommends that Nigeria engage state and non-state actors diplomatically, avoiding conflicts and human rights breaches. To maintain sovereignty, Nigeria should refrain from foreign interference in domestic issues. Further research should investigate the Gulen movement's economic development, scholarship, healthcare, and humanitarian work. Future researchers should prioritize participant orientation to overcome informant reluctance from fears of undercover security agents gathering intelligence.