ADC Slams NSA, COAS for Calling Terrorists ‘Brothers’, ‘Sons’
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, for reportedly referring to repentant terrorists as “my friend” and “my son,” respectively.
A video circulating online showed the COAS addressing surrendered terrorists in familial terms, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from netizens, who argued it amounts to romancing criminals. DAILY POST reports that such names are used by authorities to avoid stigmatizing those who surrender.
Reacting, ADC, through its Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, described the comments as indicative of a “dangerous mindset that accommodates and tolerates criminality instead of confronting it.”
Abdullahi said, “First, the NSA referred to terrorists as his brothers. Now, the Chief of Army Staff is referring to terrorists as sons. These rhetorics reflect a dangerous mindset that blurs the moral and legal lines essential for any serious security response. With this approach, it is not surprising that the current strategy has struggled to protect lives and end the killings decisively.
“Under an ADC government, there will be no ambiguity. Bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists will be treated the same as all enemies of Nigeria. We will establish special terrorism courts to ensure swift prosecution.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
