Former Department of State Services (DSS) Assistant Director Dennis Amachree has backed the life sentences imposed on senior Ansaru commanders Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, saying he believed they deserved the maximum penalty under the law.
Speaking during an interview with TVC, Amachree said he would have preferred the death penalty, arguing that the severity of the crimes attributed to the terrorist group warranted the harshest punishment.
“I support the DSS for asking for the maximum punishment, which is death, for these people because of the crimes they have committed,” he said.
Amachree alleged that the group was responsible for numerous deadly attacks against civilians and security personnel, including the widely circulated killing of a teacher that was recorded and shared on social media.
“They are part of the people that put a teacher on social media right in front of cameras and slaughtered him like a ram,” he said.
He also alleged that the terrorist network was involved in attacks that killed senior Nigerian military officers, adding, “They have been shooting and killing our generals.”
Amachree said firm judicial action against convicted terrorists would demonstrate the government’s commitment to combating violent extremism and protecting citizens.
