Adeyanju Condemns Continued Pardon and Pampering of Terrorists, Says Act Threatens National Security
Prominent activist and legal luminary, Barrister Deji Adeyanju has condemned the government’s continued negotiation and pardon of bandits and terrorists, saying it amounts to indirect financing of terrorism.
In a statement posted on his Facebook, Adeyanju argued that terrorists do not repent and banditry is not a misunderstanding that can be settled through negotiations.
“These are criminals who should be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed, not hosted in Government Houses or rewarded with concessions,” he said.
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Adeyanju expressed concern that forgiving terrorists sets a dangerous precedent, encouraging more criminality as others may take up arms knowing the government will negotiate and compensate them.
He cited the example of Nnamdi Kanu, saying terrorists have committed far worse crimes without being held accountable. “This approach undermines justice and threatens national security,” Adeyanju warned.
Details of the statement below;
ADEYANJU CONDEMNS CONTINUED PARDON & PAMPERING OF TERRORISTS, SAYS ACT THREATENS NATIONAL SECURITY, WILL MAKE OTHERS TAKE UP ARMS
The continued negotiation, payment, forgiveness, and appeasement of bandits and terrorists by the government amounts to indirect financing of terrorism. Terrorists do not repent, and banditry is not a misunderstanding that can be settled across negotiation tables. These are criminals who should be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed, not hosted in Government Houses or rewarded with concessions.
The idea of forgiving terrorists is alien to any serious state; it sets a dangerous precedent and sends the message that taking up arms, killing citizens, and destabilizing the country pays. It encourages more criminality, as others will be emboldened to bear arms knowing the government will eventually negotiate, compensate, and beg them.
These terrorists have committed far worse crimes than Nnamdi Kanu for example, who, whatever the allegations of incitement, did not physically kill anyone. Yet thousands of Nigerians have been slaughtered by terrorists who are now being embraced by our government. This approach undermines the idea of justice and it threatens the foundation of national security in the long run.
DEJI ADEYANJU, ESQ.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 19TH 2026)
