Deji Adeyanju, human rights activist and Concerned Nigerians convener, condemns the federal government’s negotiations, payments, forgiveness, and appeasement of bandits and terrorists as indirect terrorism financing.
Wahalaupdate reports that Adejanju, in a statement issued on Monday, argued that terrorists and banditry do not repent and that is not a misunderstanding that can be resolved through dialogue, therefore warning that the approach poses a serious threat to national security.
Adeyanju: Arrest, Prosecute Terrorists and Bandits, Don’t Reward Them
Deji Adeyanju, a prominent human rights activist, has strongly criticized the government’s approach to dealing with terrorists and bandits.
He insists that these criminals must face the full weight of the law through arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment.
Instead, he points out, officials are hosting them and granting concessions, which undermines justice.
This lenient strategy, Adeyanju argues, only emboldens further violence.
Such actions reward criminality rather than deterring it, eroding public trust in security institutions.
Adeyanju calls for a firm policy shift to prioritize accountability.
Ultimately, he urges decisive measures to protect citizens and restore order, rejecting any form of appeasement.
Adeyanju: Appeasing Terrorists Encourages Deadly Crime
Deji Adeyanju warns that appeasing terrorists sends a dangerous message.
By rewarding those who take up arms, kill citizens, and destabilize the nation, the government incentivizes crime.
This approach, he argues, encourages more individuals to join banditry and terrorism.
Criminals see violence as a path to gains rather than punishment.
Adeyanju urges an end to such policies, advocating strict enforcement to deter future threats and protect the public.
He also claimed that some terrorists the government engages committed worse crimes than IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
He said, “The continued negotiation, payment, forgiveness, and appeasement of bandits and terrorists by the government amounts to indirect financing of terrorism.
Adeyanju: Terrorists Don’t Repent, Reject Bandit Negotiations
“Terrorists refuse to repent; banditry defies negotiation-table settlements.”
They pose grave threats to national security and public safety.
Yet, instead of facing justice, some are hosted in Government Houses.
This preferential treatment shocks citizens and erodes faith in the system.
Rewarding them with concessions only fuels more violence.
Adeyanju demands a zero-tolerance policy to uphold the rule of law.
“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.

