The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has voiced strong opposition to the Federal Government’s plan to reintegrate former insurgents into society, describing the approach as a risky and misguided response to terrorism.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party criticised recent comments by government officials that framed insurgents in softer terms, including references to them as “brothers” or “prodigal sons.”
According to the ADC, such language reflects a misunderstanding of the gravity of terrorism and risks trivialising a serious national security threat.
“Terrorism is not a family dispute. It is not a moral metaphor. It is a sustained and organised campaign of violence against the Nigerian state and its people,” the statement said.
The party warned that addressing terrorism with what it described as lenient rhetoric and policies that prioritise rehabilitation over justice could have dangerous consequences.
“To respond to such a threat with language that softens its meaning, and policies that appear to prioritise rehabilitation ahead of accountability, is not compassion. It is weakness,” it added.
Beyond its criticism of the language used, the ADC also questioned the broader strategy behind the government’s approach. It argued that the policy lacks clarity and may ultimately undermine efforts to combat insecurity.
“What Nigerians are witnessing is not a coherent security strategy. It is, at best, confusion dressed up as policy; at worst, a dangerous policy of political appeasement,” the party stated.
The statement further highlighted what it described as a contradiction in the government’s position.
“On one hand, the government claims to be prosecuting a war against terror.
“On the other, it appears eager to reintroduce insurgents, who have waged a war against the Nigerian state, into society without first establishing clear processes for justice, without transparent standards for determining genuine repentance, and without credible safeguards to protect the communities they are being returned to.
“This is not balance. It is a dangerous failure of judgement and political accommodation taken too far.”
The ADC also raised concerns about the transparency of the reintegration process, questioning how individuals are selected and whether adequate screening measures are in place.
“Nigerians do not know who has been investigated, who has been prosecuted, or on what basis individuals are deemed safe for reintegration,” it said.
The party pointed out that there is little information on how these individuals would be monitored after reintegration, or whether affected communities have been consulted in the process.
It warned that reintegrating former fighters without ensuring justice could send the wrong signal, particularly to victims of violence, and may even encourage further acts of insecurity.
“The ADC believes that terrorism must be treated as what it is: an existential threat to the Nigerian state. Our approach will be rooted in clarity, accountability, and competence. Those who have committed grave crimes will face the full weight of the law, because justice is not optional in a society governed by laws.
“Above all, the safety of Nigerian communities will come first, and the voices and rights of victims will be central to any national response.
“Nigeria cannot afford mixed signals in a fight that demands discipline and resolve. National security is not a guessing game, and it is not a space for sentiment to override judgement. It requires leadership that understands the stakes and is prepared to act with firmness and clarity,” the party added.
