The African Democratic Congress ADC has criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress APC for tolerating crime instead of fighting it.
The party was reacting to comments it attributed to the National Security Adviser Mallam Nubu Ribadu, who reportedly called terrorists his brothers, and the Chief of Army Staff, who allegedly referred to terrorists as his sons.
ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said on X that these statements show a dangerous mindset that accepts criminal behavior.
Abdullahi said: “First it was the NSA calling terrorists my brothers, now the Chief of Staff calling them my sons. This kind of language hides the truth and makes it hard to fight crime.
“When the government talks about terrorists like family, it blurs the lines of right and wrong and makes it harder to protect people.
“With this way of thinking, it’s no surprise the killings continue. This cannot go on.”
The party promised that if it were in power, there would be no confusion about who the criminals are.
“Bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists will all be treated as enemies of Nigeria. We will set up special courts to quickly punish them,” the party said.
ADC also outlined a plan to fight terrorism based on four steps: gathering local intelligence, state-level prevention, national coordination, and working with neighboring countries.
The party said citizens would always come first. “We will not treat terrorists like family. The message will be clear: harming a Nigerian will have serious consequences. Terrorists are the enemy and will be treated as such.”
