Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has cautioned federal and state governments against engaging in negotiations with terrorists and bandits, warning that such actions violate Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws and could attract severe legal consequences.
Falana made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Amnesty International Second Annual General Meeting held in Abuja on June 13, 2026. The legal practitioner expressed concern over reports that government officials have continued to hold discussions with terrorist groups and armed bandits despite existing laws prohibiting such engagements.
According to Falana, it has become public knowledge that officials of the Federal Government and some state governments have, at various times, met with terrorists and bandits in attempts to secure peace agreements and facilitate the release of abducted victims.
He argued that these negotiations have often resulted in thousands of so-called “repentant” criminals being granted amnesty, forgiven for their actions, and rewarded with undisclosed sums of money and other incentives.
The senior lawyer maintained that such practices undermine the rule of law and contradict the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, which criminalizes support for, collaboration with, or participation in activities linked to terrorist organizations.
Falana emphasized that terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and similar organizations, have been formally proscribed under Nigerian law and should therefore be subjected to prosecution rather than rehabilitation programs that provide financial rewards.
“The satanic Boko Haram sect and similar bodies have been proscribed under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act,” he said. “Their members and allies should be prosecuted and not pampered or forgiven by the Nigerian State.”
The activist stressed that the fight against terrorism must be anchored on accountability and justice rather than arrangements that may appear to legitimize criminal activities.
Citing Section 22 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, Falana outlined the legal implications for individuals found to be participating in meetings or activities connected with terrorist organizations.
According to the provision, any person who knowingly arranges, manages, assists in organizing, participates in, or attends meetings linked to terrorist groups commits an offence under Nigerian law.
The law also criminalizes the provision of logistics, equipment, information, facilities, or other forms of support to terrorist entities. Convicted offenders, Falana noted, are liable to a minimum prison sentence of 20 years.
He warned that government officials are not exempt from the law and should avoid actions that could be interpreted as providing support or legitimacy to terrorist organizations.
Falana’s comments come amid ongoing national debates over the best approach to addressing insecurity, terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across different regions of Nigeria.
Over the years, authorities at various levels have adopted different strategies to combat insecurity, including military operations, community engagement, dialogue initiatives, and deradicalization programs aimed at encouraging the surrender of armed groups.
However, critics have questioned the effectiveness of negotiating with criminal groups, arguing that such arrangements may encourage further violence and create the impression that criminal activities can lead to rewards.
Supporters of dialogue, on the other hand, contend that negotiations can help save lives, secure the release of kidnapped victims, and reduce hostilities in conflict-prone areas.
Falana insisted that regardless of the objectives behind such engagements, all actions taken by government authorities must remain within the boundaries of the law.
He called on Nigerian authorities to strengthen the enforcement of anti-terrorism legislation and ensure that individuals involved in acts of terrorism are investigated, prosecuted, and punished in accordance with legal provisions.
The human rights advocate further urged policymakers to prioritize justice for victims of terrorism while implementing measures that address the root causes of insecurity.
As Nigeria continues to battle security challenges in several parts of the country, Falana’s remarks have reignited discussions about the legal, ethical, and security implications of negotiating with terrorist groups and armed bandits.
His warning underscores the growing call for strict adherence to the rule of law in the nation’s ongoing fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
