You’re Financing Terrorism by Continued Pardon, Payment to Bandits — Adeyanju to Nigerian Govt
Human rights activist and convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the Federal Government’s approach to insecurity, warning that the continued practice of negotiating with, pardoning, and making payments to bandits amounts to financing terrorism.
In a statement released on Monday, Adeyanju accused the government of emboldening criminal networks by offering concessions to armed groups responsible for widespread violence, kidnappings, and killings across the country. He described the strategy of appeasement and clemency as a dangerous precedent that risks encouraging further criminality.
“The notion of pardoning terrorists is foreign to the principles upheld by any serious state,” Adeyanju said. “Those involved in terrorism and banditry should be arrested, prosecuted, and incarcerated, rather than rewarded with leniency.”
Adeyanju also highlighted the discrepancy between how the government treats armed groups and ordinary citizens accused of non-violent offences, warning that the approach undermines accountability and the rule of law.
His comments come as the government faces criticism over planned peace deals in states like Katsina, where authorities have defended the release of suspected bandits as part of local negotiations aimed at restoring peace. While some community leaders support the strategy, security experts and civil society groups have expressed concern that such releases may embolden criminals and erode public trust.
Adeyanju urged the Federal Government to rethink its security strategy, stressing that genuine peace requires firm law enforcement, credible prosecution of suspects, and a robust justice system. He also called on Nigerians to demand greater transparency in the handling of peace deals and ransom payments, warning that failure to address the root causes of insecurity could worsen the nation’s security challenges.