ADC raises alarm over FG’s move to reabsorb former terrorists

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s plan to reintegrate hundreds of former insurgents into society, describing the initiative as a troubling sign of “dangerous softness” in the fight against terrorism.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned that the current approach risks undermining justice, emboldening violent groups and sending mixed signals about Nigeria’s resolve to defeat insurgency.

Over the years, the Federal Government of Nigeria has adopted a combination of military and non-military measures to combat insurgency, particularly in the Northeast. These measures include deradicalisation programmes, rehabilitation of so-called “repentant” fighters and their reintegration into civilian communities.

Officials have defended the strategy as a pragmatic effort to encourage defections, reduce pressure on the justice system and address the root causes of violent extremism. However, the policy has remained controversial, especially among victims of insurgent attacks and opposition parties who question its long-term implications.

The ADC took particular issue with recent government rhetoric that reportedly referred to insurgents as “brothers” or “prodigal sons.” The party argued that such language trivialises the gravity of terrorism.

“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 read.

According to the ADC, reframing insurgency in sentimental or conciliatory terms risks diluting its seriousness as a national security threat.

The party further contended that prioritising rehabilitation over accountability signals weakness rather than strategic compassion. “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,” the statement added.

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The ADC also highlighted what it described as contradictions in the government’s counterterrorism posture. On one hand, the state maintains it is prosecuting a war against terror; on the other, it appears prepared to reintroduce former fighters into society.

“This is not balance. It is a dangerous failure of judgement and political accommodation taken too far,” the party said, describing the overall approach as “confusion dressed up as policy.”

The party warned that inconsistent messaging and implementation could weaken national security efforts and create uncertainty about the state’s priorities.

A major plank of the ADC’s criticism is what it calls a lack of transparency surrounding the reintegration process.

The party posed several questions it believes remain unanswered: Who among the former insurgents has been thoroughly investigated or prosecuted? What criteria are used to determine genuine repentance? What safeguards are in place to protect host communities?

“Nigerians do not know who has been investigated, who has been prosecuted, or on what basis individuals are deemed safe for reintegration,” the statement noted.

The ADC also questioned whether affected communities were consulted before reintegration decisions were made and how authorities intend to monitor reintegrated individuals to prevent recidivism.

The party warned that reintegration without visible justice could undermine public confidence in the rule of law, alienate victims and embolden others to join insurgent groups in the expectation of eventual leniency.

For communities that have borne the brunt of violence, the ADC argued, justice must be seen to be done if reconciliation is to be meaningful and sustainable.

In place of the current approach, the ADC advocates what it describes as a more structured and firm counterterrorism strategy. Its proposals include: Full legal prosecution of individuals involved in terrorism; Establishment of special courts to handle terrorism-related cases; Clear classification of insurgents as enemies of the state; Stronger intelligence gathering and enforcement coordination

The party maintains that justice, accountability and community safety should take precedence over reintegration initiatives.

The disagreement underscores a wider national debate over how best to tackle insurgency. Supporters of reintegration argue that deradicalisation can reduce violence in the long term by encouraging defections and weakening extremist groups from within.

Critics, however, caution that poorly implemented programmes may appear lenient and potentially risky.

Many security analysts suggest that a hybrid model — combining sustained military pressure with carefully screened rehabilitation programmes — can be effective, provided it is transparent, backed by strict monitoring and developed in consultation with affected communities.