RismadarVoice Reporters, June 14, 2026
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has cautioned federal and state authorities against engaging in negotiations with terrorist groups, insisting that such actions contravene existing Nigerian laws.
Falana delivered the warning while presenting a keynote address at Amnesty International’s Second Annual General Meeting held in Abuja on June 13, 2026.
According to him, it has become widely known that some government officials have held discussions with terrorists and bandits in efforts to secure peace deals. He argued that these engagements have, in some cases, resulted in the rehabilitation of individuals described as repentant criminals, with some reportedly receiving financial incentives and other forms of support.
The senior lawyer maintained that members of proscribed terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram and similar groups, should face prosecution in accordance with the law rather than being granted amnesty or rewards.
Referencing provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, Falana stressed that the legislation criminalises participation in, support for, or facilitation of activities linked to terrorist organisations.
He noted that the law prescribes severe penalties for individuals found guilty of organising, attending or providing assistance to meetings and activities connected to terrorist groups. According to him, anyone convicted of such offences faces a minimum prison sentence of 20 years.
Falana urged authorities at all levels to uphold the rule of law in addressing insecurity, emphasising that the fight against terrorism must be conducted within the framework of existing legal provisions.
