A Presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen has pledged to implement severe penalties for terrorism and criminality if he assumes office in 2027.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen proposed that terrorism convictions should attract mandatory life imprisonment.
He also vowed to establish a specialized terrorism court and overhaul the coordination of intelligence among various security agencies to effectively combat the nation’s security challenges.
The aspirant highlighted the critical link between national security and economic stability, noting that insecurity directly contributes to rising food prices and increased living costs by preventing farmers and traders from operating safely.
He argued that the resulting poverty creates a recruitment pool for criminal networks, creating a cycle that must be broken by re-establishing state authority.
Hayatu-Deen criticized the current judicial handling of security cases, stating that his administration would end the era of light sentences and judicial backlogs for violent crimes.
His remarks come at a time when several states continue to struggle with insurgent attacks and communal violence.
While the current administration has pledged to address these issues, Hayatu-Deen maintains that a more rigorous legislative and judicial approach is necessary to restore peace and economic growth.