Opposition Party Slams Defence Chief’s Remarks on Terrorists, Vows Tougher Stance
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for his recent characterisation of terrorists as “sons” of Nigeria. The opposition party views these remarks as indicative of a concerning leniency towards criminal elements within the current administration and has outlined a robust, no-nonsense approach to counter-terrorism should they gain power.
In a pointed statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed dismay over the Defence Chief’s comments, which were disseminated via his X (formerly Twitter) page. Abdullahi asserted that such language reflects a dangerous mindset that fosters accommodation and tolerance of criminality rather than decisive confrontation.
“When a government begins to frame terrorists in familial terms, it blurs the moral and legal lines that must remain clear in any serious security response,” the ADC spokesperson stated. He further elaborated that this perceived mindset helps explain the current administration’s struggles in effectively protecting lives and definitively ending the ongoing wave of killings plaguing the nation. The ADC unequivocally declared that this approach “must not be allowed to continue.”
The party’s strong reaction stems from a fundamental disagreement with any rhetoric that humanises or normalises those engaged in acts of terror and violence against Nigerian citizens. The ADC leadership believes that such framing undermines the gravity of the threat and dilutes the resolve required to combat it.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the ADC has pledged a significantly tougher stance. According to Abdullahi, if elected, bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers will be unequivocally treated as enemies of Nigeria. This will be a cornerstone of their national security policy, signalling a clear departure from what they perceive as the current administration’s more conciliatory approach.
To underscore their commitment to this robust strategy, the ADC has announced its intention to establish special terrorism courts. These dedicated judicial bodies would be designed to ensure the swift and efficient prosecution of individuals accused of terrorism-related offences, thereby reinforcing the message of zero tolerance for such crimes.
The ADC has detailed a comprehensive counter-terrorism framework, built upon four foundational pillars. This multi-faceted strategy aims to address the complex nature of terrorism from various angles:
- Local Level Intelligence Gathering: Emphasising the critical role of community-level information in identifying and disrupting terrorist networks before they can act.
- State Level Prevention and Deterrence: Implementing measures at the state level to prevent radicalisation, deter potential recruits, and disrupt criminal activities.
- National Level Coordination and Enforcement: Establishing a unified and coordinated national response mechanism for intelligence sharing, operational planning, and robust enforcement actions.
- Regional Level Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships and intelligence-sharing agreements with neighbouring countries to tackle cross-border terrorism and criminal enterprises.
Abdullahi reiterated the ADC’s core principle of prioritising citizens’ safety and well-being above all else. “Like in all other things, ADC will put citizens first. We will not cuddle terrorists,” he declared. The party’s message to those who perpetrate violence is stark: “The message will be clear: there will be severe consequences for killing a Nigerian.”
The ADC’s proposed policy shift represents a clear challenge to the existing security discourse. By drawing a firm line between citizens and those who seek to harm them, the party aims to galvanise public support and present a credible alternative for national security. The emphasis is on unambiguous action and severe repercussions, ensuring that terrorists are recognised and treated solely as adversaries. “A terrorist will neither be a son nor a brother. They are the enemy and will be treated as such,” the ADC concluded, signalling a resolute commitment to eradicating the scourge of terrorism through decisive and uncompromising measures.
