The Christian Association of Nigerian Americans (CANAN) has called on the Federal Government to stop reintegrating suspected terrorists into society without first subjecting them to the judicial process, insisting that every terror suspects trial should be conducted in accordance with Nigerian law.
The association made the appeal during a virtual press conference held via Zoom, where its leadership expressed concerns that reports of reintegrating terror suspects without transparent legal proceedings could undermine justice for victims and weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
CANAN President, Dr. James Fadel, and the association’s Executive Director, Dr. Banjo Olaniyan, used the briefing to outline the group’s position on terrorism, religious freedom and ongoing security reforms. 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.
“CANAN remains concerned about reports that some captured terrorist suspects have been reintegrated into society without transparent judicial processes.
“We respectfully urge the Federal Government to ensure that all persons accused of terrorism are handled in accordance with the rule of law. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done,” the association stated.
According to CANAN, ensuring every terror suspects trial is properly conducted would honour the memory of victims, strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and discourage future acts of violent extremism. The association also commended Nigerian security and intelligence agencies over reports of operations that led to the arrest of suspected commanders of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
It, however, maintained that arrests alone are not sufficient, stressing that suspects should face diligent prosecution under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. CANAN further welcomed continued counterterrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, noting that every successful operation against terrorist groups contributes to national stability, protects innocent lives and strengthens prospects for lasting peace.
On the proposed establishment of State Police, the association congratulated the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for advancing constitutional reforms aimed at decentralising policing. It nevertheless urged the government to include credible civil society representatives in State Police oversight structures to promote transparency, accountability, public confidence and respect for human rights.
The group also referenced Pastor Adeboye’s remarks during the Faith Heroes Award, where he acknowledged the support of the United States Government for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts but noted that the country continues to face serious security challenges.
According to CANAN, the cleric observed that innocent Nigerians are still being killed by terrorist groups and encouraged members of the Nigerian diaspora to engage U.S. policymakers on the need for stronger international support against terrorism. The association recalled Adeboye’s call for authorities to identify, investigate and prosecute not only those carrying out terrorist attacks but also individuals who sponsor, finance or benefit from terrorism.
CANAN also said the cleric appealed to Christians and all Nigerians who value religious freedom to unite against terrorism and violent extremism. The association noted that Adeboye expressed concern over attacks on Christian communities in Northern Nigeria despite the RCCG’s extensive presence across the region, while reflecting on a period when Nigerians of different faiths coexisted peacefully.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice and national unity, CANAN said it would continue advocating for religious freedom, the protection of human dignity and support for communities affected by terrorism. The association stressed that a transparent terror suspects trial process remains essential to achieving justice for victims, promoting accountability and strengthening Nigeria’s long-term fight against violent extremism.
