The Christian Association of Nigerian Americans (CANAN) has urged the Federal Government to end the practice of reintegrating suspected terrorists into society without first subjecting them to the judicial process, insisting that every individual accused of terrorism must face trial in accordance with Nigerian law.
The call was made during a virtual press conference held via Zoom, where the association expressed concern over reports that some terror suspects had been returned to society without transparent legal proceedings.
Speaking at the briefing, CANAN President, Dr. James Fadel, and the association’s Executive Director, Dr. Banjo Olaniyan, outlined the group’s position on terrorism, security reforms and religious freedom. They also highlighted comments made by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, during the recent U.S.–Nigeria Faith Heroes Award in Washington, D.C.
According to CANAN, reports of reintegrating suspected terrorists without proper judicial processes continue to raise serious concerns about justice for victims and accountability in Nigeria’s fight against violent extremism. The association stressed that every accused person should be handled through lawful procedures, noting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
CANAN argued that respecting due process honours the memory of victims, strengthens public confidence in the justice system and serves as a deterrent against future terrorist activities. The group also commended Nigerian security and intelligence agencies for operations that reportedly led to the arrest of suspected commanders linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
However, it maintained that such arrests must be followed by diligent prosecution under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. According to the association, accountability, fair trials and appropriate punishment for those found guilty remain essential to delivering justice for victims and discouraging future acts of terrorism.
CANAN further welcomed the continued counterterrorism partnership between Nigeria and the United States, describing international cooperation as an important factor in strengthening efforts to combat terrorist groups and improve national security.
On the proposed establishment of State Police, the association congratulated the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for advancing constitutional reforms to create the new policing structure. It nevertheless urged the government to include credible civil society representatives in State Police oversight mechanisms to enhance transparency, accountability, public confidence and respect for human rights.
The association also reflected on Pastor Adeboye’s remarks at the U.S.–Nigeria Faith Heroes Award, where he appreciated the support of the United States Government for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts but warned that the battle against terrorism remains far from over.
According to CANAN, Adeboye observed that innocent Nigerians continue to lose their lives to terrorist attacks and encouraged members of the Nigerian diaspora to engage U.S. policymakers in seeking stronger support for Nigeria’s security efforts.
The cleric also urged the government to intensify efforts to identify, investigate and prosecute not only those carrying out terrorist attacks but also individuals who sponsor, finance or benefit from terrorism, stressing that dismantling the entire support network behind terrorist activities is essential to ending the menace. CANAN noted that Adeboye further appealed to Christians and all Nigerians who value religious freedom to unite against terrorism and violent extremism.
The association recalled his concern over repeated attacks on Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, noting that the Redeemed Christian Church of God operates more than 8,000 churches across the region. It also highlighted Adeboye’s reflection on a period when Christians, Muslims and adherents of traditional religions coexisted peacefully, describing the current climate of religious violence and intolerance as a departure from that history.
Reaffirming its commitment, CANAN said it would continue advocating justice, religious freedom, national unity and the protection of every Nigerian regardless of ethnicity or faith. The association pledged to work alongside governments, faith leaders, civil society organisations and international partners to promote peace, defend human dignity and support communities affected by terrorism.
