Femi Falana

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, has cautioned the Federal Government and state governments against holding talks or striking deals with terrorists and bandits, insisting that such actions are contrary to the law.

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

He argued that it is widely known that some government officials at both the federal and state levels have engaged in negotiations with terrorists and armed groups. According to him, these engagements have resulted in several individuals described as “repentant” criminals receiving pardons and undisclosed cash rewards.

The senior advocate maintained that groups such as Boko Haram have already been outlawed under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. He stressed that members of such organisations and those associated with them should face prosecution rather than receive favourable treatment from the authorities.

Falana stated that the law provides clear penalties for anyone who knowingly associates with or supports terrorist groups. In support of his position, he cited Section 22 of the Act, which states:

“A person who knowingly—(a) arranges, manages, assists in arranging or managing, participates in a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, (b) collects, or provides logistics, equipment, information, articles or facilities for a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, or (c) attends a meeting, which in his knowledge is to support a proscribed entity or to further the objectives of a proscribed entity, commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of at least 20 years.”

The legal practitioner said the provisions of the law should guide government actions in dealing with terrorist groups and their members, rather than negotiations that could undermine efforts to combat insecurity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to authorise the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Borno State as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in the region.

Falana made the call in a statement issued on Monday. He urged the Federal Government to extend to Borno some of the security measures recently introduced in Oyo State.

According to him, President Tinubu approved the recruitment of forest guards in Oyo State and also dispatched a high-level federal delegation to the state after the abduction of pupils and teachers.

The senior lawyer argued that Borno should receive similar attention due to the large number of residents who remain in captivity.

“In view of the fact that not less than 415 abducted school children and other citizens are in the illegal custody of bandits and terrorists in unknown forests in Borno State, the President should also dispatch a high-powered federal delegation to visit the state in solidarity with the people,” he said.

Falana stressed the need for immediate measures to improve security across the state, which has faced persistent attacks from armed groups.

“The President should equally approve the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for the state without any further delay,” Falana added.

He also stated that any forest guards recruited should receive adequate training and equipment to enable them confront heavily armed criminal elements.

“The forest guards must be well trained and fully equipped to confront the bandits and terrorists who are armed with AK-47 and other dangerous weapons,” he said.

Falana further called on the Federal Government to reconsider the legal case involving members of the Nigeria Forest Security Service. He said the government’s recent endorsement of the forest guard initiative should influence its position on the matter.

“Since the Federal Government has now embraced the forest guard initiative, the Attorney-General should discontinue the criminal case pending at the Federal High Court against the seven leaders and members of the Nigeria Forest Security Service,” he said.

He maintained that the proposed actions would strengthen security efforts in Borno State and demonstrate the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens and restoring public confidence.