Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has called for a tougher military approach to tackle terrorism and banditry in Nigeria, insisting that terrorists should not be granted amnesty but should face the full weight of the law.
Shehu made the remarks in a post shared on his official X account on Monday while reacting to a video circulating on social media. The video allegedly showed suspected bandits piling bundles of cash on the head of another suspected bandit in what appeared to be a display of wealth.
Reacting to the footage, Shehu expressed concern over what he described as the growing boldness of criminal groups and the damage such scenes were causing to Nigeria’s image both at home and abroad.
He said the actions of the suspected terrorists were making Nigeria a subject of ridicule before the international community.
“See how miscreants are insulting and reducing us into laughing stocks in the eyes of the international community,” he wrote.
Shehu argued that military force remains the only effective response to terrorism, saying criminal groups have repeatedly shown that they do not respond to dialogue or other peaceful approaches.
According to him, terrorists understand only one language.
“This young terrorist and criminals understand only one language… superior fire power,” he stated.
He also dismissed calls for amnesty or forgiveness for terrorists, maintaining that those responsible for violent crimes should be punished to discourage others from taking the same path.
“They don’t deserve amnesty or forgiveness but death as a deterrent,” Shehu added.
His comments come at a time when Nigeria continues to battle insecurity across several parts of the country, especially in the North-West, North-East and parts of the North-Central. Armed groups have continued to carry out attacks on communities, kidnap residents for ransom, raid villages and target travellers on major highways despite ongoing military operations.
Banditry and terrorism have remained among the country’s biggest security challenges over the past decade. While the North-East has long battled the insurgency by terrorist groups, states in the North-West have witnessed an increase in attacks by heavily armed bandits who operate from forest hideouts and frequently carry out mass abductions for ransom.
The Federal Government and the Armed Forces have launched several military operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps and restoring peace to affected communities. Security agencies have repeatedly reported the killing of terrorist commanders, the destruction of camps and the rescue of kidnapped victims during coordinated air and ground operations.
However, despite these efforts, attacks have continued in many areas, leading to renewed public debate over the most effective strategy for ending the violence.
Over the years, opinions have remained divided on whether repentant terrorists and bandits should be offered amnesty or rehabilitation programmes. Supporters of such initiatives argue that encouraging fighters to surrender can reduce violence, provide useful intelligence to security agencies and create opportunities for reintegration into society.
Others, however, believe granting amnesty to individuals accused of serious crimes sends the wrong message, especially to victims who have lost family members, homes and livelihoods as a result of terrorist attacks. They argue that justice must be served to deter future crimes and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
Shehu belongs to the group advocating a hardline approach. His latest comments reflect the frustration shared by many Nigerians who believe insecurity has persisted for too long despite government efforts.
The social media video that prompted his reaction has also sparked widespread discussion online, with many users questioning how suspected criminal elements could openly display large amounts of cash. Some Nigerians said the footage highlights the financial strength of armed groups and raised concerns over the sources of their funding.
The Federal Government has consistently maintained that it remains committed to defeating terrorism and other forms of violent crime. Authorities have also urged citizens to support security agencies by providing timely information that could help prevent attacks and lead to the arrest of criminal suspects.
As security operations continue across different parts of the country, public debate over the appropriate balance between military force, justice and rehabilitation is expected to remain a key issue in Nigeria’s efforts to end terrorism and banditry. Mahdi Shehu’s latest comments have once again brought that debate to the forefront, with many Nigerians weighing the merits of a tougher military response against other approaches aimed at restoring lasting peace.