ADC faults FG’s plan to reintegrate repentant terrorists

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government over reported plans to reintegrate hundreds of so-called repentant terrorists into society, describing the move as a sign of weak and inconsistent counterterrorism policy.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullah, said the approach of the administration of reflects a lack of clear understanding of the gravity of terrorism in Nigeria.

According to the ADC, characterising terrorists as “brothers” or “prodigal sons” undermines the severity of the threat posed by insurgency, which he said has led to loss of lives, destruction of communities, and displacement of millions across the country.

“Terrorism is not a family dispute. It is a sustained and organised campaign of violence against the Nigerian state and its people,” the statement read.

The party argued that prioritising rehabilitation without first ensuring justice and accountability sends the wrong message to victims and could embolden potential offenders.

The ADC further expressed concern over what it described as a contradiction in government policy, noting that while authorities claim to be prosecuting a war against terror, they are simultaneously considering reintegration of individuals allegedly involved in insurgency without transparent processes saying Nigerians have not been adequately informed about investigations, prosecutions, or criteria used to determine which individuals qualify for reintegration, raising concerns about public safety and community protection.

“There is no clarity on monitoring systems or safeguards for affected communities. In the absence of these, what is presented as strategy begins to look like abdication,” the party stated.

The ADC emphasized that terrorism should be treated as an existential threat, stressing that offenders must face the full weight of the law in line with principles of justice and rule of law enforcing the need to prioritise the safety of citizens and ensure that the voices of victims remain central in shaping national security responses.

The party further warned against what it termed “mixed signals” in the fight against terrorism, urging the Federal Government to adopt a more firm, transparent, and coherent strategy in addressing insecurity across the country.