The Christian Association of Nigerian Americans (CANAN USA) has reiterated its opposition to the rehabilitation of terrorism suspects without due process, insisting that justice for victims and strict adherence to the rule of law must take precedence over reintegration efforts.
The position was presented by the Executive Director of CANAN USA, Dr. Banjo Olaniyan, during a Zoom media briefing where he formally presented the association’s latest press statement commending the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for his call for national unity and sustained action against terrorism in Nigeria.
Reading the statement, Olaniyan said CANAN welcomed Pastor Adeboye’s remarks delivered during the U.S.–Nigeria Faith Heroes Award in Washington, D.C., where the cleric acknowledged the support of the United States in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism while urging Nigerians of all faiths to work together to restore peace and mutual respect.
The statement noted that Adeboye reflected on a period in Nigeria’s history when Christians, Muslims and adherents of traditional religions coexisted peacefully, describing the current wave of religious violence and intolerance as a departure from those ideals.
It added that although Adeboye appreciated the support of the U.S. Government, he maintained that the fight against terrorism was far from over, noting that innocent Nigerians continue to lose their lives in attacks by terrorist groups.
According to the statement, the RCCG General Overseer urged Nigerians in the diaspora to engage policymakers and encourage the United States Government to strengthen its support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. He also called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts to identify, investigate and prosecute not only those carrying out terrorist attacks but also those who finance and sponsor terrorism.
During the interactive session with journalists, Olaniyan dismissed suggestions that the briefing was convened in response to recent social media criticism alleging that some Nigerian Christian leaders had remained silent over the country’s worsening insecurity.
“Our job as the Christian Association of Nigerian Americans is to bring light to the atrocities committed by terrorist groups against Nigerian Christians,” he said.
“We are not part of CAN or PFN. We will work and collaborate with them whenever there is an opportunity to partner if it will help stop terrorism in Nigeria, but this briefing is not a response to what is happening online.”
Speaking on the Federal Government’s rehabilitation programme for former terrorists, Olaniyan said CANAN considers the policy unacceptable where suspects have not first been subjected to the judicial process.
“It is an aberration for us to rehabilitate terrorists. It does not even make sense,” he said.
“The law of Nigeria is very clear. Those accused of terrorism should be processed through the justice system and the law should take its course. Justice must come first.”
He argued that victims of terrorism are often overlooked while attention is focused on offenders.
“The people who need rehabilitation are the victims—the families that have lost loved ones, those displaced from their communities and those traumatised by terrorist attacks,” he said.
“After offenders have faced justice and served whatever punishment the law prescribes, if there is genuine repentance, then the correctional system can determine the next step. But justice and punishment must come first.”
CANAN’s position aligns with its press statement, which urged that all terrorism-related prosecutions be conducted in accordance with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, stressing that due process and accountability are essential for justice and for deterring future acts of terrorism.
Olaniyan also disclosed that CANAN has continued to engage members of the United States Congress on Nigeria’s security challenges, saying the association has maintained advocacy for stronger international support in combating terrorism.
He noted that CANAN was involved in advocacy efforts that contributed to Boko Haram’s designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States and said the association continues to push for greater cooperation between both countries.
According to him, CANAN is currently advocating for the passage of H.R. 7457, a bill before the U.S. Congress aimed at promoting religious freedom and strengthening measures against terrorism.
“We have continued to engage members of Congress through hearings and advocacy. We want Nigeria’s security situation to remain on the front burner,” he said.
“We also want stronger intelligence cooperation with Nigeria and tougher measures against those who sponsor terrorism.”
He added that CANAN welcomed reports that individuals linked to the sponsorship of terrorism have faced sanctions, including visa restrictions, describing such measures as important steps toward combating violent extremism.
On the proposed establishment of state police, Olaniyan expressed support for the constitutional reform, saying locally recruited officers would possess a better understanding of their communities, language and terrain, thereby improving intelligence gathering, accountability and rapid response to security threats.
Earlier in its statement, CANAN welcomed continued cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in counterterrorism efforts and commended security agencies for reported successes against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The association also congratulated the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on constitutional reforms advancing the establishment of state police, while calling for transparency, accountability and civil society participation in oversight mechanisms.
CANAN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice, religious freedom, national unity and the protection of all Nigerians regardless of faith or ethnicity, pledging to continue working with governments, faith leaders, civil society organisations and international partners to support communities affected by terrorism and advocate lasting peace.