Security expert Dickson Osajie has cautioned against imposing the maximum punishment on convicted senior Ansaru commanders, arguing that such a move may not serve Nigeria’s broader security interests.
According to him, authorities should carefully consider the long-term implications of sentencing convicted terrorists, stressing that extremist ideology often embraces death rather than fears it.
Osajie made the remarks during an interview from 3:03 on TVC News on Wednesday, 22 July, 2026, while reacting to the Department of State Services’ (DSS) request for maximum sentences for senior Ansaru commanders. He expressed concerns about the implications of keeping convicted Ansaru members in prison and also questioned whether imposing the harshest possible punishment would effectively deter terrorism.
Explaining his position, the security expert said, “If you want to also give them maximum execution, some of them are ready to die because the whole essence of terrorism is that they have taken the step to die.”
He noted that many individuals involved in terrorist organisations are driven by extremist beliefs that make them willing to sacrifice their lives in pursuit of their objectives. As a result, he suggested that the threat of execution may not have the intended deterrent effect on hardened terrorists who already see death as part of their mission.
Osajie argued that beyond securing convictions, the government must adopt a comprehensive strategy that addresses the wider security implications of handling convicted terrorist leaders….See More