In a statement made public on Monday, Adeyanju described the government’s approach as dangerous, irresponsible, and unprecedented in any serious nation, stressing that terrorism and banditry are not misunderstandings that can be resolved through dialogue or appeasement.
Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the Nigerian government for negotiating with, pardoning, and allegedly compensating terrorists and armed bandits, warning that such actions amount to indirect financing of terrorism and pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s national security.
In a statement made public on Monday, Adeyanju described the government’s approach as dangerous, irresponsible, and unprecedented in any serious nation, stressing that terrorism and banditry are not misunderstandings that can be resolved through dialogue or appeasement.
According to him, the continuous negotiation, payment of ransom, forgiveness, and reintegration of armed groups who have terrorised communities across the country only emboldens criminal elements and sends a wrong signal to law-abiding citizens.
“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 insisted that terrorists and bandits are hardened criminals who have committed heinous atrocities, including mass killings, kidnappings, destruction of livelihoods, and displacement of thousands of Nigerians, adding that such individuals 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 added.
Adeyanju further warned that the policy of forgiving terrorists sets a dangerous precedent that could have long-term consequences for the country’s stability, unity, and security architecture.
He argued that by embracing terrorists and bandits under the guise of peace-building, the government is effectively telling Nigerians 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.”
In a pointed comparison, Adeyanju referenced the ongoing detention and prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), noting what he described as a glaring inconsistency in the government’s approach to justice.
According to him, while Kanu faces 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,” Adeyanju said. “Yet thousands of Nigerians have been slaughtered by terrorists who are now being embraced by our government.”
He maintained that such selective justice undermines public confidence in the rule of law and weakens the moral authority of the state to demand obedience from its citizens.
Adeyanju warned that the continued pampering of terrorists would undermine the foundations of national security and justice, stressing that no country can survive when those who murder its citizens are rewarded, while peaceful citizens are left unprotected.
“This approach undermines the idea of justice and it threatens the foundation of national security in the long run,” he said.