Human rights advocate, Femi Falana, has warned federal and state governments against negotiating with and rewarding terrorists.

According to Falana, the practice is illegal.

He stated this while delivering the keynote address at the Amnesty International Second Annual General Meeting in Abuja on June 13, 2026.

Falana claimed it is public knowledge officials of the Federal Government and some State Governments have been holding meetings and negotiating with terrorists and bandits, which has led to thousands of ‘repentant’ criminals being forgiven and given cash gifts of undisclosed sums of money.

Asserting that the “satanic Boko Haram sect and similar bodies have been proscribed” under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, Falana insisted that “their members and allies shall be prosecuted and not pampered and forgiven by the Nigerian State.”

Highlighting the legal consequences, he quoted Section 22 of the Act, stating: “A person who knowingly—(a) arranges, manages, assists in arranging or managing, participates in a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, (b) collects, or provides logistics, equipment, information, articles or facilities for a meeting or an activity, which in his knowledge is concerned or connected with an act of terrorism or terrorist group, or (c) attends a meeting, which in his knowledge is to support a proscribed entity or to further the objectives of a proscribed entity, commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of at least 20 years.”

The Lagos State Police Command has announced plans to begin a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced, or missing registration number plates as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.

The enforcement operation, scheduled to commence on Monday, June 15, 2026, follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at enhancing public safety and preventing criminals from concealing their identities while carrying out unlawful activities.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, stated that the exercise will be led by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, who has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to ensure strict compliance within their respective jurisdictions.

The statement said vehicles found violating the directive would be impounded and subjected to thorough investigation in accordance with extant laws and established procedures.

She explained that the exercise is a proactive security measure designed to improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track criminal suspects, and strengthen the state’s overall security architecture.

“The enforcement exercise is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding motorists,” the statement noted, adding that it is aimed at denying criminal elements the opportunity to conceal their identities and activities.

“Motorists, transport operators, fleet owners, and members of the public are advised to ensure that their vehicles carry valid and clearly visible registration number plates at all times.

“Vehicle owners are also urged to keep all relevant documents up to date and readily available for inspection when required” she added.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a safer environment for residents and visitors in Lagos State.

It also appealed for public cooperation, stressing that the success of the initiative depends largely on the support of members of the public.

The police further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements, or activities through the command’s emergency response lines.

The enforcement drive forms part of ongoing efforts by the police to enhance security and curb criminal activities across Lagos State.

Carlo Ancelotti felt Brazil were “anxious” in their World Cup opener against Morocco, as he suggested the pressure got to his players.

Brazil were largely underwhelming at New York New Jersey Stadium, as they opened their Group C campaign with a 1-1 draw.

World Cup 2022 semi-finalists Morocco made a fine start, which was capped off when Ismael Saibari charged through in the 21st minute and lofted a cute finish over Alisson.

With the unfit Neymar watching on from the bench, Vinicius Junior slammed home a brilliant equaliser 11 minutes later, but Brazil could not find a way through Morocco’s defence for a second time.

In fact, Brazil relied on a sharp double save from Alisson late on to preserve a point, and Ancelotti knows there is plenty of scope for improvement.

“I think it was a tough match, especially in the first half,” Ancelotti said, as reported by ESPN

“Maybe the team was a bit anxious, and the nerves were all over the place. The second half was better, but it was still tough, and I’m sure we’ll get better.

“I think that’s something we’ll have to look into.

“There’s a lot of pressure, so it’s natural. Little by little, we’ll improve in that sense.”

Brazil are, at least, unbeaten in their opening match in the last 21 World Cups dating back to 1938 (W17 D4).

It is the longest such streak in the history of the World Cup, more than twice as long as any other (Germany, Netherlands – nine straight).

“We have to reassess what we did,” Ancelotti added.

“In the first half, we were very unbalanced. We did a bit better in the second half. The result isn’t bad. You don’t win the World Cup in your first match.

“I’m not disappointed, but I’m not satisfied, either. We need to work, but that’s normal. Morocco played well. They’re a solid team, very well organised. It was a difficult game.

“For many different reasons, a debut in the World Cup might not end up as expected. The goal is to qualify, move on to the next round and improve over time.”

With uncertainty over how much Neymar will be able to contribute at this tournament, Brazil need Vinicius to step up, and the Real Madrid forward demonstrated his quality with a wonderful run and finish to restore parity.

It marked Vinicius’ 10th goal for Brazil, with three of those coming on American soil.

“We started on a really bad note,” Vinicius said. “For certain, we got to hold on to the ball. We have to move better.”