The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the plan by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reintegrate hundreds of repentant terrorists into society, describing it as a sign of weakness in the fight against insecurity.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the policy reflects what it called a “dangerous misunderstanding” of terrorism.
The ADC faulted comments by some government officials who have described insurgents as “brothers” or “prodigal sons,” arguing that such language downplays the severity of terrorism.
“Terrorism is not a family dispute… it is a sustained and organised campaign of violence against the Nigerian state,” the statement read.
The opposition party warned that reintegrating former insurgents without clear accountability measures undermines justice for victims.
It noted that there is no transparency on how individuals are assessed for reintegration or what safeguards are in place to protect communities.
“Reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice,” the party said.
The ADC argued that the policy reflects inconsistency in the government’s approach to tackling terrorism.
“On one hand, the government claims to be prosecuting a war against terror. On the other, it appears eager to reintroduce insurgents into society without clear processes for justice,” the statement added.
The party insisted that terrorism should be treated as an existential threat requiring a firm and coordinated response.
It maintained that individuals involved in violent crimes must face the full weight of the law, stressing that national security demands clarity and discipline.
“National security is not a guessing game… it requires leadership that understands the stakes and is prepared to act with firmness,” the statement said.
The ADC concluded by urging the government to prioritise the safety of citizens and the rights of victims in any counter-terrorism strategy.
It warned that policies perceived as lenient could send the wrong signal and potentially embolden violent actors.