Can government officials legally negotiate with terrorists and bandits? Human rights lawyer Femi Falana says the answer is a firm no, and warns that such actions could carry a minimum 20-year prison sentence under Nigerian law.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and prominent human rights activist, Femi Falana, has criticised both the Federal Government and some state governors for engaging in negotiations with terrorists and bandits, describing the practice as unlawful and dangerous.

Speaking at Amnesty International's Second Annual General Meeting in Abuja on 13 June 2026, Falana delivered a keynote address titled “Rising Under Pressure: Human Rights in an Era of Insecurity, Economic Strain and Democratic Uncertainty.” During his presentation, he argued that government officials who hold talks with terrorist groups may themselves be violating the law.

According to Falana, it is widely known that officials from the Federal Government and certain state governments have met with insurgents and bandits over the years. These engagements, he said, have resulted in thousands of so-called "repentant" criminals being pardoned and even receiving undisclosed cash rewards.

Falana maintained that groups such as Boko Haram have already been outlawed under Nigeria's Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. As such, he insisted that members of these organisations should face prosecution rather than forgiveness or financial incentives from the state.

He stressed that the law clearly prohibits individuals from organising, attending or facilitating meetings linked to terrorist groups. Citing Section 22 of the Act, Falana noted that anyone found guilty of participating in activities connected to terrorism could face a minimum prison term of 20 years upon conviction.

The legal expert further argued that state governors do not possess the constitutional authority to grant pardons to terrorists or bandits. Instead, he explained that suspects arrested by security agencies should be prosecuted by the Attorney-General of the Federation and, where found guilty, sentenced according to the law.

Only after conviction, Falana said, can the President consider exercising the prerogative of mercy in exceptional circumstances.

Even then, he urged caution.

Falana warned that granting pardons to individuals involved in grave offences such as kidnapping schoolchildren, gang rape, beheadings and the destruction of schools would not serve the interests of national security, public safety, public order or public morality.

His comments have once again reignited debate over Nigeria's approach to tackling terrorism and banditry, particularly the use of dialogue, amnesty programmes and rehabilitation initiatives for former fighters.

Source: cbinewstv

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