Negotiating With Terrorists Attracts 20-Year Jail Term, Falana Warns FG, States

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has cautioned the Federal Government and state governments against negotiating with terrorists and bandits, insisting that such actions violate Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws.

Falana issued the warning while delivering the keynote address at the Amnesty International Second Annual General Meeting held in Abuja on June 13, 2026.

According to him, it has become public knowledge that government officials at both federal and state levels have engaged in discussions with terrorists and bandits in various parts of the country. He expressed concern that such engagements have resulted in thousands of so-called repentant criminals being pardoned and allegedly rewarded with undisclosed sums of money.

The senior lawyer argued that the practice undermines the rule of law and contradicts the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

Falana maintained that terrorist groups, including the outlawed Boko Haram sect and similar organisations, have been formally proscribed by law and should be prosecuted rather than rewarded.

He stated that members and collaborators of terrorist organisations ought to face legal consequences for their actions instead of receiving incentives from government authorities.

Quoting Section 22 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, Falana noted that anyone who knowingly arranges, manages, assists, participates in, or attends meetings connected with terrorist activities or proscribed groups commits an offence under Nigerian law.

He explained that the law also criminalises the provision of logistics, equipment, information, facilities, or other forms of support to terrorist groups or activities.

According to Falana, individuals found guilty of such offences are liable upon conviction to imprisonment for a term of at least 20 years.

The legal practitioner stressed that Nigeria’s fight against terrorism must be anchored on strict adherence to the law, accountability, and justice for victims of violent attacks.

His remarks come amid ongoing debates over government strategies for tackling insecurity, particularly in regions affected by banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping.

Security challenges have remained a major concern across several parts of the country, with authorities often exploring different approaches to secure the release of hostages and encourage the surrender of armed groups.

Falana, however, insisted that any engagement with proscribed terrorist organisations must comply with existing laws to avoid setting dangerous precedents and weakening Nigeria’s legal framework against terrorism.