Nigerian Activist Lawyer Criticizes Governors for Pardoning Terrorists Amid Rising Insecurity

Nigerian activist lawyer, Adeyanju, condemned governors for granting pardon to terrorists, arguing that they lack the constitutional power to do so. Insecurity continues to escalate across several states, especially in the North West, North East, and North Central zones, with incidents of banditry, mass kidnappings, and terrorist attacks.

Despite sustained military operations, the state governments have resorted to dialogue, negotiations, and amnesty programs, offering financial incentives and rehabilitation packages to armed groups in exchange for laying down their weapons. States like Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger are reportedly exploring amnesty and negotiation settlements with bandit groups.

Adeyanju cautioned that the actions of state governors in granting amnesty to terrorists lack constitutional backing.