Human rights advocate and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, has criticised the Federal Government for its continued negotiations, payments, and conciliatory gestures toward bandits and terrorist groups, warning that such actions amount to indirectly supporting terrorism.
In a statement issued on Monday and reported by Gossip News Now , Adeyanju argued that individuals involved in terrorist acts do not simply “repent,” stressing that banditry is not a conflict that can be resolved through dialogue. He cautioned that the government’s approach poses a serious risk to national stability.
He maintained that those responsible for acts of terrorism should be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed rather than receiving attention, hospitality, or concessions from government officials.
Adeyanju further stated that offering forgiveness or incentives to violent groups sends the dangerous message that taking up arms and destabilising the country could result in benefits instead of punishment, and may encourage more people to engage in criminal activity.
He also asserted that some of the individuals being engaged by the government have carried out more severe actions than the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Adeyanju said:
“The ongoing negotiation, payment, forgiveness, and appeasement of bandits and terrorists by the government is essentially indirect financing of terrorism.
“Terrorists do not simply change their ways, and banditry cannot be settled at negotiation tables. These are criminals who should face arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment, not receive invitations to Government Houses or be granted concessions.
“The idea of pardoning terrorists is foreign to any serious nation. It sets a dangerous precedent by signalling that picking up weapons and causing unrest can bring rewards.
“It only fuels more wrongdoing, because others will feel encouraged to engage in similar acts, believing that the government will eventually negotiate, compensate, or plead with them.”
He added that many of the armed groups being engaged by authorities have committed more serious offences than Nnamdi Kanu, saying:
“These terrorists have committed far worse crimes than Nnamdi Kanu who, despite allegations of incitement, did not physically harm anyone.
“Yet countless Nigerians have suffered because of terrorists who are now being welcomed by the government. This strategy undermines justice and threatens the long-term security of the nation.”
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