By Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju today condemned the Nigerian government’s continued negotiation, pardon, and appeasement of terrorists and bandits, saying the practice threatens national security and could encourage more people to take up arms.
Adeyanju described the government’s approach as a form of indirect financing of terrorism. “Terrorists do not repent, and banditry is not a misunderstanding that can be settled across negotiation tables. These are criminals who should be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed, not hosted in Government Houses or rewarded with concessions,” he said.
He criticized the idea of forgiving terrorists, calling it “alien to any serious state” and warning that it sets a dangerous precedent. “It encourages more criminality, as others will be emboldened to bear arms knowing the government will eventually negotiate, compensate, and beg them,” Adeyanju added.
Adeyanju also compared the actions of terrorists to those of separatist leader Namdi Kanu, noting that thousands of Nigerians have been killed by terrorists who are now reportedly being embraced by the government. He said this approach undermines justice and threatens the long-term foundation of national security in Nigeria.
