ADC Faults Federal Government's Plan to Reintegrate Repentant Terrorists
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong condemnation of reports indicating that the Tinubu administration is proceeding with plans to reintegrate hundreds of so-called repentant terrorists into Nigerian society. The party warns that this approach represents a dangerous misreading of the country's security realities and could have severe consequences for justice and stability.
Criticism of Government's Approach
In a statement shared on social media by ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed deep concern over the government's move. The ADC highlighted that official remarks referring to these individuals as "brothers" and "prodigal sons" suggest a troubling lack of clarity about the nature and scale of the threat facing Nigeria.
"Terrorism is not a family dispute. It is not a moral metaphor," the ADC asserted. "It is a sustained and organised campaign of violence against the Nigerian state and its people." The party emphasized that insurgency has resulted in the deaths of thousands, the destruction of communities, the displacement of millions, and the erosion of both national security and economic stability.
Risks of Reintegration Without Accountability
The ADC argued that framing such a grave threat in conciliatory terms, while prioritizing reintegration over accountability, risks undermining justice and emboldening perpetrators. "What Nigerians are witnessing is not a coherent security strategy," the statement added. "At best, it is confusion dressed up as policy; at worst, it is a dangerous form of political appeasement that compounds the suffering of victims."
The party pointed to what it described as a glaring contradiction: a government that claims to be waging war on terror yet appears willing to reintroduce former insurgents into society without transparent judicial processes, clear benchmarks for establishing genuine repentance, or credible safeguards for host communities. "This is not balance—it is a failure of judgment," the ADC stated.
Undermining Rule of Law and Justice
The ADC warned that reintegration without justice undermines the rule of law and sends a dangerous signal that acts of terror may ultimately carry negotiable consequences. "Reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice," the party declared. "It denies victims closure and risks encouraging others to believe that violence can be absolved without accountability."
Furthermore, the party faulted the government for failing to address critical questions surrounding the policy. These include:
- Who has been investigated or prosecuted?
- What criteria are used to determine eligibility for reintegration?
- What mechanisms are in place to monitor such individuals after release?
"In the absence of transparency, what is being presented as strategy begins to look like abdication," the ADC warned.
Call for Firm and Accountable Responses
Reaffirming its position, the ADC stated that terrorism must be treated as an existential threat requiring firm, consistent, and accountable responses. "Our approach is rooted in clarity, accountability, and competence. Those who commit grave crimes must face the full weight of the law. Justice is not optional," the party said.
It stressed that the safety of Nigerian communities must remain paramount, while the voices and rights of victims should be central to any national response. "Nigeria cannot afford mixed signals in a fight that demands discipline and resolve. National security is not a space for sentiment to override judgment," the statement concluded.
