Human rights lawyer Femi Falana tells Nigeria’s federal and state governments that negotiating with or rewarding terrorists and bandits is illegal and carries criminal consequences. Speaking at Amnesty International’s Second Annual General Meeting in Abuja on June 13, 2026, Falana argues that the law requires arrested terrorists and bandits to be prosecuted through the proper judicial process rather than settled through talks or incentives. He cites a potential 20-year jail term for officials involved in such actions. Falana’s remarks are presented as a warning to governments to ensure they follow legal obligations when dealing with security threats. Across the reports, the emphasis is on his position that prosecution is the lawful route under Nigeria’s framework, and that engaging in negotiations with terrorists undermines that requirement. The outlets also highlight that Falana framed his comments within broader concerns about human rights in an era of insecurity, economic strain, and democratic uncertainty.