Adeyanju condemns FG’s negotiations with bandits, warns of ‘indirect financing of terrorism’

 

Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has criticised the federal government over its negotiations with, pardoning of, and alleged compensation to terrorists and armed bandits, warning that such actions amount to indirect financing of terrorism and pose a serious threat to national security.

In a statement made public on Monday, Adeyanju described the government’s approach as dangerous, irresponsible, and unprecedented in any serious country, arguing that terrorism and banditry are not conflicts that can be resolved through dialogue or appeasement.

He said the continued negotiation, payment of ransom, forgiveness, and reintegration of armed groups that have terrorised communities across Nigeria only embolden criminal elements and send the wrong message to law-abiding citizens.

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“The continued negotiation, payment, forgiveness, and appeasement of bandits and terrorists by the government amounts to indirect financing of terrorism,” Adeyanju said. “Terrorists do not repent, and banditry is not a misunderstanding that can be settled across negotiation tables.”

The activist argued that terrorists and bandits are hardened criminals responsible for mass killings, kidnappings, destruction of livelihoods, and the displacement of thousands of Nigerians, insisting that they should face the full weight of the law rather than being rewarded by the state.

“These are criminals who should be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed, not hosted in Government Houses or rewarded with concessions,” he said.

Adeyanju further warned that forgiving terrorists sets a dangerous precedent with long-term consequences for Nigeria’s stability, unity, and security architecture.

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According to him, embracing terrorists and bandits under the guise of peace-building sends a signal that violence pays, thereby encouraging more people to take up arms.

“The idea of forgiving terrorists is alien to any serious state; it sets a dangerous precedent and sends the message that taking up arms, killing citizens, and destabilizing the country pays,” Adeyanju stated.

“It encourages more criminality, as others will be emboldened to bear arms knowing the government will eventually negotiate, compensate, and beg them.”

He also pointed to what he described as a contradiction in the government’s approach to justice, citing the ongoing detention and prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

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Adeyanju said while Kanu is facing severe state action over allegations of incitement, terrorists who have allegedly killed thousands of Nigerians are being welcomed, pardoned, and rehabilitated.

“These terrorists have committed far worse crimes than Nnamdi Kanu for example, who, whatever the allegations of incitement, did not physically kill anyone,” he said. “Yet thousands of Nigerians have been slaughtered by terrorists who are now being embraced by our government.”

He warned that such selective justice undermines public confidence in the rule of law and weakens the moral authority of the state.

“This approach undermines the idea of justice and it threatens the foundation of national security in the long run,” Adeyanju said.