ADC Slams FG’s Plan to Reintegrate Repentant Terrorists, Warns of Security Risks

Opposition party says reintegration without accountability undermines justice and national security

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By Umar Baba | Abuja, Nigeria

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government’s reported plan to reintegrate repentant terrorists, describing it as a flawed approach to tackling insecurity.
The party warned that the move could weaken justice mechanisms and embolden perpetrators if not properly structured.

In a statement issued via its spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that the government’s posture reflects a misunderstanding of the scale and nature of terrorism in Nigeria.

The party rejected what it described as conciliatory language from officials, including references to insurgents as “brothers” or “prodigal sons,” insisting that terrorism is a coordinated campaign of violence, not a social dispute.

“Terrorism is not a family disagreement. It is a sustained assault on the Nigerian state and its citizens,” the party stated.

According to the ADC, insurgency has resulted in widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of lives across the country, and any policy response must prioritise justice and accountability.

The party warned that reintegrating former insurgents without transparent judicial processes or clear criteria for assessing repentance could undermine public trust and national security.

It further questioned the absence of clarity around key aspects of the policy, including prosecution records, eligibility benchmarks, and post-reintegration monitoring mechanisms.

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The ADC maintained that any approach lacking these safeguards risks appearing as “political appeasement” rather than a coherent security strategy.

Concerns Over Accountability and Justice
The party emphasised that reintegration without due process sends the wrong signal, potentially suggesting that acts of terror can go unpunished.

“Reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice,” the statement read, noting that victims of terrorism deserve closure and accountability.

Call for Clear Security Strategy
The ADC urged the Federal Government to adopt a firm and consistent strategy rooted in the rule of law, stressing that national security should not be compromised by unclear or inconsistent policies.

It insisted that those responsible for grave crimes must face legal consequences, while any reintegration programme must be transparent, structured, and accountable.

The debate highlights a critical policy dilemma: balancing deradicalisation and reintegration with justice and deterrence. Poorly structured reintegration programmes risk eroding public confidence, undermining counterterrorism efforts, and creating long-term security vulnerabilities.