Adeyanju Warns Government’s Pardoning of Terrorists Could Fuel More Violence

Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has sharply criticised the federal government’s approach to handling terrorism and banditry, claiming that negotiating with, pardoning, and allegedly compensating armed groups sends the wrong message and threatens Nigeria’s security.

In a statement released on Monday, Adeyanju described the government’s strategy as dangerous, irresponsible, and unlike what would be expected in a serious nation. He argued that terrorism and banditry are criminal acts that should be tackled through law enforcement and the justice system, not through negotiation or appeasement.

According to him, continuing to negotiate with and grant concessions to armed groups only emboldens criminals and indirectly finances terrorism. Adeyanju warned that this policy could encourage more Nigerians to take up arms, believing that violence will be rewarded rather than punished.

He also criticised what he sees as inconsistency in how the government treats different security threats, saying that while some individuals face severe state action, terrorists responsible for widespread killings are allegedly being forgiven or reintegrated.

Adeyanju called on the government to abandon the practice of negotiating with armed groups and instead prioritise arresting, prosecuting, and imprisoning those who commit acts of terror.