The African Democratic Congress ADC has criticised the Federal Government’s plan to reintegrate former insurgents into society, describing the approach as a dangerous display of softness toward terrorism.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said recent remarks by government officials referring to insurgents as brothers and prodigal sons reflect a troubling misunderstanding of the threat posed by terrorism.
“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,” the statement said.
The party warned that adopting soft language and policies that appear to prioritise rehabilitation over accountability could undermine national security.
“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 weakness,” it added.
According to the ADC, the current approach does not demonstrate a clear or effective security strategy, describing it as inconsistent and potentially harmful.
“What Nigerians are witnessing is not a coherent security strategy. It is, at best, confusion dressed up as policy; at worst, a dangerous policy of political appeasement,” the statement read.
The party also highlighted what it described as contradictions in the government’s stance.
“On one hand, the government claims to be prosecuting a war against terror.
“On the other, it appears eager to reintroduce insurgents, who have waged a war against the Nigerian state, into society without first establishing clear processes for justice, without transparent standards for determining genuine repentance, and without credible safeguards to protect the communities they are being returned to.
“This is not balance. It is a dangerous failure of judgement and political accommodation taken too far.”
The ADC raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the reintegration process, questioning how individuals are selected and whether adequate safeguards are in place.
“Nigerians do not know who has been investigated, who has been prosecuted, or on what basis individuals are deemed safe for reintegration,” it stated.
The party further noted the absence of clarity on post reintegration monitoring and whether affected communities were consulted.
It warned that reintegrating former fighters without proper justice mechanisms could send the wrong message to victims and potentially encourage further violence.
“The ADC believes that terrorism must be treated as what it is: an existential threat to the Nigerian state. Our approach will be rooted in clarity, accountability, and competence. Those who have committed grave crimes will face the full weight of the law, because justice is not optional in a society governed by laws.
“Above all, the safety of Nigerian communities will come first, and the voices and rights of victims will be central to any national response.
“Nigeria cannot afford mixed signals in a fight that demands discipline and resolve. National security is not a guessing game, and it is not a space for sentiment to override judgement. It requires leadership that understands the stakes and is prepared to act with firmness and clarity,” the party added.
