Security Expert Says Only Courts Can Designate Groups as Terrorists, Faults FG’s Stance on Kidnappers and Bandits
A security expert, Kabiru Adamu, has challenged the Federal Government’s position on treating kidnappers and bandits as terrorists, insisting that only the courts have the legal authority to make such designations under Nigerian law.
Adamu, the Managing Director of Beacon Consulting Ltd, stated that neither the President nor members of the Federal Executive Council can unilaterally label any group as a terrorist organisation.
His remarks followed comments by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s declaration during the Federal Government’s end-of-year press briefing in Abuja. Idris explained that the policy aims to enhance intelligence sharing and strengthen coordination among security agencies, allowing for tougher measures against kidnapping and banditry.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adamu said the government’s declaration cannot stand unless it follows the proper legal process outlined in the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“The law defines terrorism and provides clear procedures for identifying terrorist organisations and those supporting or financing terrorism. This authority rests solely with a competent court of jurisdiction, not the executive,” Adamu explained.
He stressed that the Attorney General of the Federation is responsible for petitioning the courts to make such determinations, emphasizing that the law is designed to protect democratic principles and prevent abuse of power.
“Even the President does not have the power to declare a group a terrorist organisation. That authority resides exclusively with the judiciary,” he said.
Adamu warned that allowing the executive to wield such powers could lead to politicisation and dangerous precedents, particularly in the current political climate with campaigns already underway.
“If the executive had this power, any group could be declared a terrorist organisation arbitrarily, which could have severe consequences for Nigeria’s democracy,” he cautioned.
He urged the government to strictly adhere to legal provisions while intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity through lawful and constitutionally backed measures.