ADC Blasts NSA Ribadu, Army Chief for Referring to Terrorists as ‘Brothers, Sons’

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, over comments describing former terrorists in personal terms.

The party said such language sends the wrong message at a time Nigerians expect firm action against insecurity.

The reaction followed a viral video where the Army Chief was seen addressing some surrendered fighters as “my sons.” Earlier, Ribadu had also reportedly described some of the individuals as “my brothers.”

The development sparked outrage online. Many Nigerians accused top security officials of appearing too soft on violent groups.

Findings, however, indicate that authorities sometimes use mild or friendly expressions when engaging repentant fighters. The approach, according to insiders, is meant to reduce stigma and encourage more defections from insurgent ranks.

But the ADC disagrees with that method.

In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the comments raise serious concerns about the government’s approach to security.

“First, the NSA referred to terrorists as his brothers. Now, the Chief of Army Staff is referring to terrorists as sons,” the statement read.

“These rhetorics reflect a dangerous mindset that accommodates and tolerates criminality instead of confronting it.”

The party warned that such framing could weaken the moral clarity needed in tackling terrorism.

“When a government begins to frame terrorists in familial terms, it blurs the moral and legal lines that must remain clear in any serious security response,” the ADC said.

It added that the current security strategy may be partly responsible for the continued attacks across parts of the country.

“With this mindset, it is easy to understand why the current approach has struggled to protect lives and decisively end the killings.”

The party insisted that there must be a clear distinction between law-abiding citizens and those who take up arms against the state.

“This must not be allowed to continue. Under an ADC government, there will be no ambiguity. Bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists will be treated the same as all enemies of Nigeria.”

The ADC also proposed the creation of special courts to handle terrorism-related cases.

“We will establish special terrorism courts to ensure swift prosecution,” Abdullahi added.