Negotiating with terrorists is illegal

Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has raised fresh concerns over the Nigerian government’s approach to tackling insecurity, warning that negotiating with terrorists and bandits is not only dangerous but also a violation of existing laws.

Falana made the remarks while speaking at the Amnesty International Second Annual General Meeting held in Abuja on June 13, 2026. During his address, he criticized what he described as the growing practice of government officials engaging with terrorist groups and bandits under the guise of peace negotiations and rehabilitation efforts.

According to the senior lawyer, it has become “public knowledge” that some officials at both the federal and state levels have been holding meetings with individuals linked to terrorist and bandit groups. He alleged that several so-called repentant criminals have not only been forgiven but have also received financial rewards from government authorities.

Falana argued that such actions send the wrong message to victims of violence and could encourage criminal groups to continue their activities.

“Their members and allies shall be prosecuted and not pampered and forgiven by the Nigerian State,” he declared.

The legal expert stressed that groups such as Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations have already been formally proscribed under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. As a result, he maintained that the law requires those associated with such organizations to face prosecution rather than rehabilitation without accountability.

To reinforce his position, Falana cited Section 22 of the Terrorism Act, which outlines penalties for individuals who knowingly support, organize, facilitate, or participate in activities connected to terrorist groups.

“A person who knowingly arranges, manages, assists in arranging or managing, participates in a meeting or an activity which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group… commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of at least 20 years,” he explained.

His comments have once again brought attention to the ongoing debate over how Nigeria should address insurgency, banditry, and violent extremism. While some government officials and security experts argue that dialogue, deradicalization, and reintegration programmes can help reduce violence and encourage surrender, critics believe such policies risk undermining justice and rewarding criminal behaviour.

For many communities that have suffered from years of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and banditry, the issue remains highly sensitive. Victims and affected families have repeatedly expressed concerns that perpetrators often receive lenient treatment while those who endured the violence continue to struggle with the consequences.

Observers say Falana’s intervention reflects broader concerns about accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law in the country’s fight against insecurity. His remarks have also renewed discussions about whether rehabilitation programmes should complement prosecution or replace it altogether.

Beyond the legal implications, the senior advocate’s comments raise important questions about the balance between peacebuilding and justice. While reconciliation efforts may contribute to stability in conflict-affected regions, Falana insists that such measures should not come at the expense of legal accountability.

As Nigeria continues to confront security challenges across several regions, particularly in the North-East and North-West, the debate over the most effective response to terrorism and banditry remains far from settled.

For Falana, however, the message is straightforward – negotiating with terrorists and bandits may not only undermine public confidence in the justice system but could also violate the very laws established to protect the nation from extremism and violence.