It was declared by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) that it had never endorsed any amnesty programme or payment to terrorists or bandits. The claim, which had gained traction through a circulating video, was described as “truncated, taken out of context, and deliberately manipulated.”
In the statement issued, it was clarified that remarks attributed to the Forum’s chairman, Bashir Dalhatu, during a television interview reflected personal perspectives and not an official ACF position. It was affirmed that Dalhatu did not advocate replicating the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme or propose any payments to bandits. Instead, the reference to the programme was said to be meant to highlight that a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies — such as rehabilitation and integration — could be considered among various options for addressing insecurity.
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The ACF emphasised that its core stance remains one of full support for government and security agencies in efforts aimed at stamping out terrorism, banditry and violence in Nigeria. It was asserted that no individual or group affiliated with the Forum condones or shields criminals, and that any suggestion to the contrary was false.
Members of the public were urged to disregard the manipulated video, and to view the full original interview for context. The ACF reiterated its commitment to ensuring unity, rejecting criminality, and promoting peace across all regions.
