Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has cautioned the Federal Government and state governors against negotiating with terrorists and bandits, arguing that such actions violate Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws and could attract a prison sentence of at least 20 years upon conviction.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual General Meeting of Amnesty International in Abuja, Falana maintained that members of proscribed terrorist groups should be prosecuted rather than pardoned, rehabilitated, or rewarded. He argued that engaging in meetings or negotiations connected with terrorist organisations is prohibited under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
According to Falana, the law prescribes a minimum sentence of 20 years for anyone who knowingly arranges, participates in, or provides support for meetings or activities linked to terrorist groups. He contended that government officials must operate within the bounds of the law when responding to insecurity and should avoid actions that could be interpreted as unlawful engagement with proscribed organisations.
The senior lawyer also asserted that state governors do not possess constitutional authority to grant pardons to individuals accused or convicted of terrorism. He explained that any exercise of clemency in such cases falls within the President’s prerogative and, even then, only after due legal process and conviction.
Falana further urged authorities to prioritise prosecution and accountability for terrorism-related offences, stressing that adherence to the rule of law is essential for national security and public confidence in the justice system. His comments come amid continuing national debates over the use of dialogue and rehabilitation programmes in addressing insecurity across parts of Nigeria.
