The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has criticized the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, over remarks in which they allegedly referred to repentant terrorists in familial terms.
The reaction follows a viral video showing the army chief describing some surrendered terrorists as “my son,” a comment that has sparked widespread criticism among Nigerians, particularly on social media.
The remarks have drawn backlash from critics who accused authorities of appearing sympathetic towards individuals involved in criminal activities.
It is, however, understood that such descriptions may be used in some cases as part of efforts to avoid stigmatization of individuals who have surrendered.
Responding to the development, the ADC, through its Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the comments as troubling.
“First, the NSA referred to terrorists as his brothers. Now, the Chief of Army Staff is referring to terrorists as sons.
“These rhetorics reflect a dangerous mindset that accommodates and tolerates criminality instead of confronting it.
“When a government begins to frame terrorists in familial terms, it blurs the moral and legal lines that must remain clear in any serious security response.
“With this mindset, it is easy to understand why the current approach has struggled to protect lives and decisively end the killings.
“This must not be allowed to continue. Under an ADC government, there will be no ambiguity. Bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists will be treated the same as all enemies of Nigeria.
“We will establish special terrorism courts to ensure swift prosecution,” the statement read.
