Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has strongly condemned the federal government for negotiating with, pardoning, and reportedly compensating terrorists and armed bandits, warning that such actions amount to indirect financing of terrorism and threaten the nation’s security.

In a statement released Monday, Adeyanju described the government’s approach as dangerous, irresponsible, and unprecedented, emphasizing that terrorism and banditry are not misunderstandings that can be resolved through dialogue or appeasement.

“The continued negotiation, payment, forgiveness, and appeasement of bandits and terrorists by the government amounts to indirect financing of terrorism,” Adeyanju said. “Terrorists do not repent, and banditry is not a misunderstanding that can be settled across negotiation tables.”

He stressed that the perpetrators of these crimes are hardened criminals responsible for mass killings, kidnappings, destruction of livelihoods, and displacement of thousands of Nigerians, and should face the full weight of the law rather than being rewarded or reintegrated.

“These criminals should be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed—not hosted in Government Houses or rewarded with concessions,” Adeyanju added.

The activist warned that pardoning terrorists sets a dangerous precedent and risks encouraging more Nigerians to take up arms, undermining the country’s security, stability, and rule of law.

Comparing the treatment of terrorists with the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Adeyanju highlighted what he called a selective application of justice. While Kanu faces prosecution for alleged incitement, terrorists responsible for the deaths of thousands are reportedly being welcomed and compensated.

“This selective justice undermines public confidence in the rule of law and weakens the moral authority of the state,” he said.

Adeyanju concluded that the government’s approach risks eroding national security and sending the dangerous message that violence and murder can be rewarded, putting law-abiding citizens at greater risk.