The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government over reported plans to reintegrate so-called repentant terrorists into society, warning that the move reflects what it describes as a “dangerous failure of judgment” in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism approach.
In a strongly worded statement shared by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, and posted on X, the party said recent developments, combined with earlier official descriptions of surrendered insurgents as “brothers” and “prodigal sons” suggest a misunderstanding of the true nature of terrorism.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken note of reports that the Tinubu administration is proceeding with plans to reintegrate hundreds of so-called repentant terrorists into society,” the statement read.
The party argued that terrorism should not be treated with soft or emotional language, stressing that it is “a sustained and organised campaign of violence against the Nigerian state and its people,” which has resulted in widespread death, displacement, and destruction.
According to the ADC, any approach that appears to prioritise rehabilitation without accountability risks undermining justice and weakening public trust in the government’s security strategy.
“What Nigerians are witnessing is not a coherent security strategy. It is, at best, confusion dressed up as policy; at worst, a dangerous policy of political appeasement,” the party stated.
The ADC further warned that reintegration without justice sends the wrong signal to both victims and potential perpetrators of violence. It said, “Reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice. It is facilitation.”
The party also questioned the transparency of the process, noting that Nigerians have not been told who is being released, who has been prosecuted, or what criteria are used to determine “repentance.”
“In the absence of these answers, what is being presented as a strategy begins to look like abdication, if not collaboration,” it added.
Reaffirming its position, the ADC insisted that terrorism must be treated as an existential threat requiring firm and uncompromising action. It stressed that those found guilty of serious crimes should face the full weight of the law, while victim protection must remain central to any national response.
“National security is not a guessing game… It requires leadership that understands the stakes and is prepared to act with firmness and clarity,” the statement concluded.