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By Bayo Davids
Abuja-based constitutional lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has stated that terrorists do not deserve forgiveness but death, citing the scale of violence, killings and destruction linked to their activities across Nigeria.
Adeyanju also urged the government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a tougher stance against terrorists and their sympathisers instead of pursuing policies that appear to extend an olive branch to them.
In a statement posted on his X handle, the activist argued that individuals involved in terrorism, as well as those who aid or sympathise with them, should face the death penalty rather than being granted forgiveness.
He faulted what he described as the government’s tendency to show leniency toward terrorists, warning that such an approach could weaken efforts to tackle insecurity and embolden violent groups.
Adeyanju urged the Federal Government to halt policies that appear to pardon or reintegrate terrorists into society, insisting that a firm and uncompromising response was necessary to deter violent extremism and safeguard citizens.
“Terrorists and their sympathisers deserve death not forgiveness. The Nigerian government must stop forgiving and romancing terrorism,” he said.
His comments come amid renewed debate over the Federal Government’s approach to dealing with insurgents and bandits, particularly the controversial practice of granting amnesty or facilitating the rehabilitation of repentant fighters.
In recent years, Nigerian authorities have implemented various programmes aimed at encouraging members of insurgent groups to surrender their weapons and reintegrate into society. One such initiative is Operation Safe Corridor, a federal programme designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate former insurgents who renounce violence.
Supporters of the initiative argue that deradicalisation programmes help weaken insurgent groups by encouraging defections and providing a pathway for former fighters to return to civilian life.
However, the policy has drawn strong criticism from many Nigerians, including security experts, civil society organisations and victims of terrorist attacks, who contend that granting amnesty to individuals involved in violent extremism undermines justice and fails to serve as a deterrent.
Critics argue that such programmes appear to reward perpetrators while victims and affected communities continue to grapple with the loss of lives, displacement and destruction of livelihoods caused by insurgent violence, particularly in the North-East.
The latest criticism also comes as the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, assured Nigerians that terrorists and bandits were suffering heavy losses in ongoing military operations across the country.
Speaking with journalists after a security meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja earlier in the week, Musa said the Armed Forces had briefed the President on the current security situation and sought to clarify what he described as misleading interpretations circulating in sections of the media.
According to him, military operations across various theatres have continued to record progress, with troops intensifying offensives against terrorists and bandits in several parts of the country.