ADC faults planned reintegration of ‘repentant terrorists’

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s major opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticised the reported plan by the Federal Government to reintegrate repentant terrorists into society, warning that terrorism should not be treated as a “family affair” or a moral metaphor. The party said the move by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suggests a troubling lack of understanding of the nature and scale of the security threat facing the country.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said terrorism remains a sustained and organised campaign of violence against the Nigerian state and its citizens.

“It has taken lives, destroyed communities, displaced millions and undermined the foundation of security and economic stability in our country. To respond to such a threat with language that softens its meaning, and policies that prioritise rehabilitation ahead of accountability, is not compassion. It is weakness,” the party said.

The ADC argued that the government’s approach reflects inconsistency, noting that while it claims to be prosecuting a war against terror, it is also seeking to reintroduce former insurgents into society without clear processes for justice or safeguards for affected communities.

According to the party, there is no transparency on how individuals are assessed for reintegration, monitored after release, or how host communities are protected. It warned that reintegration without accountability sends the wrong signal to victims and could embolden others to take up violence.

“Reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice. It sends the wrong signal to victims who are still waiting for closure and may encourage others to believe that the consequences of terror can be negotiated,” the statement added.

The ADC maintained that terrorism must be treated as an existential threat, insisting that those responsible for violent crimes must face the full weight of the law, stressing that the safety of communities and the rights of victims must remain central to any national response.

The party called for a clear, accountable and firm approach to national security, warning that Nigeria cannot afford mixed signals in the fight against terrorism.