Mohammed Hayatu‑Deen, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said he will make the fight against terrorism, crime and insecurity a top priority if he wins Nigeria’s highest office. In a statement released on Tuesday, the aspirant pledged to introduce life‑imprisonment sentences for terrorism offences, set up a dedicated terrorism court and overhaul intelligence coordination among the country’s security agencies.
Hayatu‑Deen linked the persistent wave of violence to Nigeria’s broader economic woes. “When farmers cannot reach their fields, food prices rise. When traders cannot move goods, the cost of living spikes. When young men cannot find work, criminal networks find recruits. Insecurity fuels poverty; poverty fuels insecurity,” he said. “Breaking this cycle requires a strong, authoritative state.”
The candidate warned that the era of light sentences, quiet releases and cases disappearing into judicial backlogs would end under his administration. “Terrorism charges will carry life imprisonment. The days of lenient punishment are over,” he declared.
His remarks come amid continuing insecurity in several Nigerian states, where attacks by terrorist groups have resulted in numerous fatalities, particularly in Plateau, Benue and other regions. The current government has repeatedly pledged to curb the violence, but critics argue that progress has been uneven.
Hayatu‑Deen’s security platform emphasizes structural reforms. He proposes a single, specialized court to expedite terrorism cases and ensure consistent sentencing. In parallel, he calls for a unified intelligence framework that would improve information sharing among the army, police, and other agencies, aiming to prevent intelligence gaps that have hampered previous responses.
Economists and security analysts note that the link between insecurity and economic performance is well documented. Disruptions to agriculture and trade raise commodity prices and depress investment, while unemployment can make youth vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups. A credible, decisive security strategy, they say, could help stabilize markets and restore investor confidence.
While Hayatu‑Deen’s proposals are gaining attention, implementation will hinge on broader political support and sufficient resources. Nigeria’s security challenges are multi‑dimensional, involving not only terrorism but also banditry, kidnapping and communal clashes. Addressing them will require coordinated effort across federal, state and local levels.
The ADC candidate’s pledge adds another voice to the national discourse on security reform ahead of upcoming elections. Observers will watch whether his emphasis on tougher penalties and institutional restructuring translates into concrete policy if he attains the presidency, and how such measures might reshape Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and its impact on the nation’s economy.
