The Sunrise Youth Entrepreneur Initiative, a civil society organization focused on youth empowerment and humanitarian development, has issued a strong statement condemning what it described as the alleged recruitment of bandits by personnel of the Nigerian Army in parts of the country.

The statement, delivered under its operational brand name Teamsunrise, emphasized that empowering violent groups through informal recruitment or negotiation puts citizens at risk and weakens the nation’s security framework.

The President of the Sunrise Youth Entrepreneur Initiative, Princewill Chimezie Richards, questioned why individuals accused of negotiating with violent criminal groups have not been investigated or prosecuted. He argued that no society should encourage unauthorized engagement with terrorists or criminal gangs.

“If these allegations are true, the government must not ignore them. Anyone involved in recruiting or negotiating with violent groups should be held accountable under the law,” Richards said.

Teamsunrise, which partners with recognized bodies in the United States, further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the arrest and prosecution of individuals acting as negotiators for terrorists and bandits, insisting that such actions amount to aiding insecurity rather than curbing it.

While condemning selective judgment on security-related issues, the organization also addressed the sentencing of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. It stated that although Kanu merely expressed political opinions through radio broadcasts from London, his unruly conduct in court weakened his legal defense and gave room for judges to justify harsher rulings.

“We strongly disagree with the judgment passed on him based on speech-related charges. However, we frown at his misconduct in court. He should have comported himself better, not giving room for bias or providing a reason that could be used against him,” Teamsunrise stated.

Teamsunrise added that actions taken in the courtroom should not overshadow the fundamental right to freedom of expression, stressing that disagreements with the government should be addressed constitutionally, not treated as terrorism if they do not involve violence.

The NGO, whichh transitioned from a company limited by guarantee into a full nonprofit organization, held its first international convention on drug abuse a few weeks ago. During the event, the group presented an Award of Distinguished Leadership to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and also honoured Eze Ndigbo, Ghana for community leadership and youth support.

The Sunrise Youth Entrepreneur Initiative concluded by reaffirming its commitment to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and humanitarian programs across Nigeria and West Africa, while calling for a justice system that is both fair and free from political motivations.

Update news