Nigerian Christians in the US Urge Government Not to Readmit Alleged Terrorists Without Prosecution

The Christian Association of Nigerian Americans has called on the Federal Government to halt the reintegration of suspected terrorists into society until they have undergone the necessary judicial process, emphasizing that all individuals accused of terrorism must be tried in accordance with Nigerian law.

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This stance was conveyed by the association during a virtual press conference on Zoom, where they expressed concerns over reports of terror suspects being reintegrated into society without transparent judicial processes, thereby raising questions about justice for victims and accountability in Nigeria's fight against terrorism.

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CANAN President, Dr James Fadel, and Executive Director, Dr Banjo Olaniyan, outlined the group's position on terrorism, religious freedom, and security reforms, while also referencing remarks made by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, at the recent U.S.–Nigeria Faith Heroes Award in Washington, D.C.

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CANAN emphasized that upholding due process is essential to honouring the memory of victims, strengthening public confidence in the justice system, and discouraging future acts of violent extremism, as they urged the Federal Government to ensure that all persons accused of terrorism are handled in accordance with the rule of law.

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The association commended Nigerian security and intelligence agencies for their efforts in arresting suspected commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, and encouraged diligent prosecution in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

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According to CANAN, due process, accountability, and appropriate punishment for those found guilty are crucial to achieving justice for victims and deterring future acts of terrorism, as they welcomed continued counterterrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

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CANAN congratulated the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on advancing constitutional reforms to establish a State Police structure, describing it as a vital step in strengthening Nigeria's security architecture, and urged the inclusion of credible civil society representatives in State Police oversight structures.

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The association drew attention to Pastor Adeboye's message at the Faith Heroes Award, where he thanked the United States Government for supporting Nigeria's counterterrorism efforts, but stressed that the country still faced significant challenges in its fight against terrorism.

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Pastor Adeboye's remarks, as recalled by CANAN, included a call for the intensification of efforts to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who sponsor, finance, and benefit from terrorism, emphasizing the need to dismantle the entire network behind terrorism.

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Adeboye also appealed to Christians and everyone who values religious freedom to stand together against terrorism and violent extremism, while expressing concern over attacks on Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, where the Redeemed Christian Church of God has over 8,000 churches.

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CANAN noted that Pastor Adeboye reflected on a time when Christians, Muslims, and adherents of traditional religions coexisted peacefully and freely practised their faith, describing the current wave of religious violence and intolerance as a departure from those ideals.

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The association reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice, religious freedom, national unity, and the protection of every Nigerian, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and pledged to continue working with governments, faith leaders, civil society organizations, and international partners to promote peace and defend human dignity.

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CANAN vowed to continue speaking out against terrorism, stating that for the sake of innocent victims, the displaced, and future generations, they will not remain silent and will work tirelessly to support communities affected by terrorism.