ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has condemned the practice of negotiating with terrorists and bandits, warning that government officials involved in such engagements could be violating provisions of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.
Falana spoke while delivering a keynote address titled “Rising Under Pressure: Human Rights in an Era of Insecurity, Economic Strain and Democratic Uncertainty” at the second Annual General Meeting of Amnesty International in Abuja on June 13, 2026.
The senior lawyer said it was common knowledge that officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria and some state governments had held meetings and negotiated with terrorists and bandits, resulting in the rehabilitation of thousands of so-called repentant fighters, some of whom were allegedly rewarded with undisclosed cash benefits.
According to him, such actions run contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, which proscribes groups such as Boko Haram and requires that their members be prosecuted rather than rewarded.
“Asserting that the satanic Boko Haram sect and similar bodies have been proscribed under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, their members and allies shall be prosecuted and not pampered and forgiven by the Nigerian State,” Falana said.
He argued that both the letter and spirit of the law prohibit meetings or associations with individuals involved in terrorist activities, including kidnapping and other violent crimes.
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Citing Section 22 of the Act, Falana noted that anyone who knowingly arranges, participates in, supports or provides assistance for meetings connected to terrorist organisations commits an offence punishable by a prison term of at least 20 years upon conviction.
The rights advocate maintained that state governors lack constitutional or statutory powers to pardon terrorists or bandits, insisting that all suspects arrested by security agencies must first be prosecuted by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
According to him, only after conviction and sentencing can the President consider exercising the prerogative of mercy in exceptional circumstances.
Falana, however, cautioned against extending presidential pardons to individuals convicted of terrorism-related offences, especially those linked to the abduction of citizens, attacks on schools and other grave crimes.
“In exercising his prerogative of mercy, the President must bear in mind that it is not in the interest of national defence, public safety, public order or public morality to grant pardon to terrorists and bandits,” he said.
He listed offences such as kidnapping schoolchildren, rape, beheading of victims and destruction of educational facilities as examples of crimes that should not attract leniency.
The legal practitioner urged authorities at all levels to adhere strictly to the law in tackling insecurity and ensure that terrorists and bandits are brought to justice through established judicial processes.