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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

ADC Warns Reintegration of Ex-Terrorists Without Prosecution May Fuel Violence

From The Punch · (11h ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The African Democratic Congress (ADC) warns that reintegrating former terrorists without prosecution could incite further violence.
  • The party argues that such a move signals weakness and injustice to victims, undermining national security efforts.
  • The ADC questions the government's screening, prosecution, and monitoring framework for reintegrated individuals, urging clarity in addressing insecurity.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a stern warning against the government's proposed reintegration of hundreds of former terrorists into society without ensuring justice and accountability. In a statement released on Sunday, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, articulated a strong stance, asserting that such a policy could inadvertently encourage further violence and send a demoralizing signal to victims and those contemplating similar acts.

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.

— Bolaji AbdullahiQuoted by the African Democratic Congress's National Publicity Secretary to define the severity of terrorism.

The ADC emphasized that terrorism is a grave offense against the Nigerian state and its people, responsible for immense loss of life, displacement, and the erosion of security and economic stability. The party criticized any approach that appears to soften the meaning of terrorism or prioritize rehabilitation over accountability, labeling it as weakness rather than compassion. This perspective highlights a deep-seated concern within certain political factions in Nigeria regarding the perceived leniency in dealing with insurgency.

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 a weakness.

— Bolaji AbdullahiStated by the African Democratic Congress's National Publicity Secretary to criticize the government's approach to terrorism.

Furthermore, the ADC raised critical questions about the government's operational framework for the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme, particularly Operation Safe Corridor. The party demanded clarity on the screening processes, prosecution of individuals, and the assurances of community consultation and post-reintegration monitoring. The ADC's position underscores a demand for transparency and robust justice mechanisms, arguing that "reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice." This stance reflects a broader public sentiment in Nigeria that seeks decisive action and accountability in the face of persistent insecurity, fearing that a lack of stringent measures could erode public trust in the government's ability to combat insurgency effectively.

Reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice. It is facilitation. It sends the wrong signal to victims who are still waiting for closure, and even worse, it is a signal to those who may be considering violence that the cost of terror can be negotiated after the fact.

— Bolaji AbdullahiArticulated by the African Democratic Congress's National Publicity Secretary to explain the party's stance on reintegration without accountability.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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