ADC condemns FG insurgent reintegration plan as dangerous softness
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denounced the Federal Government’s plan to reintegrate hundreds of former insurgents, calling it a dangerous softness that misunderstands terrorism. In a statement released April 19, 2026 and signed by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said describing insurgents as 'brothers' or 'prodigal sons' and prioritising rehabilitation over justice weakens the state’s fight against terror. ADC warned that terrorism is a sustained, organised campaign of violence, not a family dispute, and that soft policies risk sending the wrong message to victims and could encourage further violence.
The party criticised the lack of transparency in the reintegration process, noting that Nigerians do not know who has been investigated, prosecuted, or deemed safe for return. It asked what safeguards exist to protect communities, how individuals are selected, and whether there are credible monitoring plans after reintegration. ADC argued that without clear justice processes, transparent standards for genuine repentance, and community consultation, the policy amounts to political appeasement rather than a coherent security strategy.
ADC insisted that terrorism must be met with clarity, accountability, and competence, promising that any future approach would prioritise the rule of law, victim rights, and community safety above sentiment.