The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu over plans to reintegrate nearly 800 former terrorists into Nigerian communities, describing the move as a sign of weakness and a lack of strategic direction in tackling insecurity.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that recent government rhetoric portraying insurgents as “brothers” or “prodigal sons,” alongside the reintegration initiative, reflects a dangerous misunderstanding of terrorism as a serious national threat.
The party warned that any reintegration effort carried out without clear accountability measures and justice for victims risks deepening injustice and could embolden further acts of terrorism.
According to the statement, terrorism in Nigeria is “a sustained and organised campaign of violence” that has claimed lives, displaced millions, and weakened the country’s security and economic stability. It stressed that addressing such a threat with what it described as soft language and policies prioritising rehabilitation over justice amounts to weakness rather than compassion.
The ADC further stated that the Federal Government’s approach appears inconsistent, noting that while authorities claim to be prosecuting a war against terror, they are also considering reintroducing former insurgents into society without transparent processes to determine genuine repentance or safeguards to protect affected communities.
The party described the policy as “confusion dressed up as strategy” and warned that reintegration without justice undermines victims’ rights and sends the wrong message to both survivors and potential perpetrators.
It also faulted the government for failing to provide clarity on key issues, including who has been investigated or prosecuted, the criteria for reintegration, and the mechanisms that would be put in place to monitor those released.
The ADC maintained that terrorism must be treated as an existential threat, insisting that any effective response must prioritise accountability, justice, and the protection of communities.
The party added that victims’ voices and rights should remain central to national security decisions, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford mixed signals in its fight against terrorism and must adopt a firm and coherent strategy.
