ADC raises alarm over ‘lenient’ approach to terrorists

The African Democratic Congress has raised concerns over moves to reintegrate former terrorists, warning that any process lacking justice and accountability risks fuelling further violence.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party argued that such policies could send a troubling message both to victims and to those who might contemplate taking up arms.

According to the ADC, treating terrorism with leniency undermines the gravity of the threat. The statement read, “Terrorism is not a family dispute. It is not a moral metaphor. It is a sustained and organised campaign of violence against the Nigerian state and its people.

“It has taken lives, destroyed communities, displaced millions, and undermined the very foundation of security and economic stability in our country.

“To respond to such a threat with language that softens its meaning, and policies that appear to prioritise rehabilitation ahead of accountability, is not compassion. It is a weakness.”

The party insisted that any reintegration effort must be grounded in transparency and justice, warning that anything less could erode trust in the government’s counter-insurgency strategy.

“Reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice. It is facilitation. It sends the wrong signal to victims who are still waiting for closure, and even worse, it is a signal to those who may be considering violence that the cost of terror can be negotiated after the fact,” Abdullahi added.

The ADC further questioned the process behind the reintegration plan, noting the absence of clear details on how former fighters were screened, prosecuted or certified fit to return to civilian life. It also highlighted the lack of a defined monitoring system and said there was no evidence that affected communities had been consulted.

The party cautioned that ignoring these gaps could weaken public confidence and undermine ongoing efforts to tackle insurgency.