Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC)has kicked against the Federal Government’s plan to reintegrate hundreds of repentant terrorists, warning that the move raises serious concerns about the country’s security strategy.
In a statement on Sunday, the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the decision reflects a poor understanding of the scale and complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges.
The ADC said it was concerned by reports that the government intends to reintegrate what it called “so-called repentant terrorists”, noting that previous official comments referring to such individuals as “brothers” and “prodigal sons” suggest a worrying approach to the issue.
According to the party, the policy signals a deeper problem within government, accusing it of failing to fully grasp the nature of the threat posed by terrorism.
The criticism follows Thursday’s announcement that 744 former insurgents had completed the De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor and would be returned to society.
Speaking at the event in Gombe State, Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, said the initiative is aimed at reducing violence, curbing extremist recruitment, and promoting long-term stability.
However, the ADC argued that the government appears to be prioritising rehabilitation over accountability, stressing that terrorism has devastated communities, displaced millions, and weakened national security and economic stability.
The party described the approach as inconsistent, warning that it risks undermining justice for victims and could amount to political appeasement.
It also questioned the absence of clear safeguards, including how the individuals would be monitored after reintegration and whether affected communities had been adequately consulted or protected.
The ADC further criticised what it called a contradiction in policy, noting that while the government claims to be prosecuting a war against terrorism, it is also moving to reintegrate former insurgents without transparent standards for determining genuine repentance or ensuring justice.
The party insisted that terrorism must be treated as an existential threat and called for a strategy anchored on clarity, accountability, and firm enforcement of the law.
It added that Nigeria cannot afford mixed signals in its fight against insecurity, urging the government to demonstrate stronger leadership and a more decisive approach.
