Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has warned the Federal Government and state governments against negotiating with terrorists and bandits, insisting that such actions violate Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
Falana made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Amnesty International Second Annual General Meeting held in Abuja on June 13, 2026.
The senior lawyer argued that it had become public knowledge that government officials at both federal and state levels had engaged in discussions with armed groups responsible for terrorism and banditry across the country.
According to him, some of these negotiations have resulted in thousands of so-called “repentant” terrorists being pardoned and allegedly rewarded with undisclosed cash payments.
Falana described the practice as unlawful and urged authorities to uphold the provisions of the law rather than offering incentives to individuals accused of serious crimes against the state.
“It is public knowledge that officials of the Federal Government and some State Governments have been holding meetings and negotiating with terrorists and bandits, which has led to thousands of ‘repentant’ criminals being forgiven and given cash gifts of undisclosed sums of money,” he said.
The human rights advocate maintained that terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and other affiliated organisations, have already been formally proscribed under Nigerian law and should be treated accordingly.
“The satanic Boko Haram sect and similar bodies have been proscribed under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act,” Falana stated.
“Their members and allies shall be prosecuted and not pampered and forgiven by the Nigerian State.”
To support his argument, Falana cited provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, particularly Section 22, which outlines penalties for individuals who knowingly participate in activities connected to terrorist organisations.
Quoting the law, he said:
“A person who knowingly:
(a) arranges, manages, assists in arranging or managing, participates in a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group,
(b) collects, or provides logistics, equipment, information, articles or facilities for a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, or
(c) attends a meeting, which in his knowledge is to support a proscribed entity or to further the objectives of a proscribed entity,
commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of at least 20 years.”
Falana’s comments come amid ongoing national debates over the government’s deradicalisation initiatives and negotiations aimed at securing the release of kidnapping victims and encouraging insurgents to surrender.
While supporters of rehabilitation programmes argue that they can help reduce violence and promote reintegration, critics insist that rewarding individuals linked to terrorism undermines justice and sends the wrong message to victims and affected communities.
The senior advocate urged authorities to prioritise accountability and strict compliance with existing laws in the country’s fight against terrorism and insecurity.
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