Nigeria’s Policy of Forgiving Bandits Could Encourage More Violence, Activist Warns.

Nigeria’s Policy of Forgiving Bandits Could Encourage More Violence, Activist Warns.

Human rights activist and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, has criticized Nigeria’s federal government for its ongoing negotiations, pardons, and payments to bandits and terrorists. He argues that this approach is dangerous and threatens national security, as it effectively funds terrorism and encourages further criminality.

In a statement on January 19, 2026, Adeyanju condemned the government’s practice of engaging with armed groups through dialogue and concessions. He asserted that terrorists do not genuinely repent, and banditry is not a misunderstanding that can be resolved peacefully. Instead, individuals involved in terrorism should be arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned, not hosted or rewarded by government officials.

Adeyanju warned that such policies set a dangerous precedent, signaling that violence and destabilization can be rewarded, thus incentivizing others to take up arms. He emphasized that this approach might embolden more criminals, as they could believe the government will eventually negotiate, pay ransom, or grant amnesty.

He also drew a stark comparison between terrorists and Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). While Kanu faces allegations of incitement, he has not been accused of killing anyone. In contrast, terrorists have slaughtered thousands of Nigerians. Adeyanju pointed out that embracing terrorists undermines justice and long-term national security.

He reiterated that terrorists do not repent and that forgiving them amounts to indirect financing of terrorism. The policy, he argued, undermines the rule of law and could lead to a cycle of violence, where more citizens are killed, and more criminals are emboldened to engage in violence, believing they will benefit from government concessions. His stance underscores the need for firm action against terrorism rather than negotiations that reward criminal acts.