A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has warned that granting amnesty to bandits and other criminal elements could worsen insecurity and encourage more criminal activities across the country.
Shittu gave the warning on Wednesday while speaking during a live radio programme, Frontline, aired on Eagle 102.5FM in Ilese Ijebu, Ogun State.
According to him, offering amnesty to individuals involved in violent crimes sends the wrong signal to society and undermines the rule of law.
He argued that such policies could embolden criminals who may see violence and banditry as a pathway to eventual forgiveness rather than punishment.
“If you give amnesty to hundreds of criminals, you might as well open the prisons. It sends the wrong message and weakens the justice system,” Shittu said.
His comments followed recent reports that the Katsina State Government had released about 70 suspected bandits under a peace arrangement aimed at restoring calm in parts of the state.
Shittu insisted that while dialogue has its place, accountability must remain central to any security strategy, warning that peace deals without justice could fuel repeat offences.
Speaking further, the former minister also commented on the recent wave of defections by opposition politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He attributed the development to internal crises and poor management within opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party.
“Nobody desires a one party state, but when political parties fail to manage themselves properly, people will naturally gravitate towards where there is structure and stability,” he said.
Shittu stressed that strong institutions, credible opposition and firm security policies are essential for Nigeria’s democratic and national stability.
