The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, over remarks allegedly describing repentant terrorists in familial terms.
This follows a viral video in which the Army Chief was seen referring to some surrendered terrorists as his “sons,” sparking backlash from Nigerians who accused authorities of appearing sympathetic to criminal elements.
However, it is understood that such terms are sometimes used to prevent stigmatization of repentant individuals.
Reacting, the ADC, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, condemned the remarks, warning that they send the wrong message about the government’s stance on insecurity.
The statement read, “First, the NSA referred to terrorists as his brothers. Now, the Chief of Army Staff is referring to terrorists as sons.
“These rhetorics reflect a dangerous mindset that accommodates and tolerates criminality instead of confronting it.
“When a government begins to frame terrorists in familial terms, it blurs the moral and legal lines that must remain clear in any serious security response.
“With this mindset, it is easy to understand why the current approach has struggled to protect lives and decisively end the killings.
“This must not be allowed to continue.
Under an ADC government, there will be no ambiguity. Bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists will be treated the same as all enemies of Nigeria.
“We will establish special terrorism courts to ensure swift prosecution.”