The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of enabling criminality through what it described as troubling and lenient rhetoric toward terrorists.
The opposition party based its criticism on remarks attributed to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who was said to have referred to terrorists as “brothers,” as well as comments credited to the Chief of Army Staff describing them as “sons.”
Reacting via a statement on X, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that such language reflects a dangerous mindset that risks normalising criminal behaviour rather than confronting it decisively.
“When leaders begin to frame terrorists in familial terms, it blurs the moral and legal boundaries necessary for an effective security response,” Abdullahi said, adding that the approach undermines efforts to safeguard lives and curb violence.
The ADC insisted that under its leadership, there would be no ambiguity in dealing with insecurity. It vowed to treat terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers strictly as enemies of the state, while proposing the establishment of special terrorism courts to fast-track justice.
Outlining its strategy, the party said its counter-terrorism framework would focus on grassroots intelligence gathering, state-level prevention, national coordination, and regional collaboration.
Reaffirming its stance, the ADC declared that it would adopt a zero-tolerance policy, stressing that those who threaten Nigerian lives would face severe consequences without sentiment or compromise.
