The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has rejected claims circulating online that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are prioritising leniency for repentant terrorists over justice for victims.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, about Operation Safe Corridor were deliberately distorted in an online publication.
Operation Safe Corridor, established in 2015, focuses on the “Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Integration (DRR)” of surrendered and repentant terrorists.
Uba accused the report of selectively highlighting certain statements while ignoring the broader context, thereby creating the false impression that the military is favouring terrorists over victims.
“This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also undermines ongoing national security efforts,” he said.
He further clarified that the initiative is not an amnesty programme but a structured deradicalisation and reintegration process targeted strictly at surrendered and screened individuals considered to be low-risk.
“First, it is important to clarify that Operation Safe Corridor is not an amnesty programme but a carefully structured deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration initiative targeted strictly at surrendered, screened and low-risk former combatants. The programme forms part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
“Evidence shows that hundreds of individuals have passed through this process since inception, contributing to intelligence gathering and weakening insurgent structures.”
The DHQ also explained that the Chief of Defence Staff’s comments were made during a professional military doctrine lecture on the need for a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution.
“Second, the comments by the CDS were made within the context of a professional military doctrine lecture, emphasising the importance of multi-dimensional conflict resolution. His remarks highlighted global best practices where rehabilitation complements battlefield successes, not replaces them. Any attempt to frame these remarks as sympathy for terrorists is a gross misinterpretation.
“Third, the Nigerian Armed Forces remain unequivocally committed to neutralizing active terrorists and protecting law-abiding citizens.”
According to the statement, the military leadership continues to direct operations across various theatres of conflict, stressing that Operation Safe Corridor targets only individuals who have voluntarily disengaged and met strict profiling criteria.
Uba added that modern warfare requires strategic communication and deradicalisation efforts to disrupt recruitment and break cycles of violence.
“The selective framing seen in the viral post ignores this critical dimension and instead promotes a simplistic and misleading narrative.”
He urged the public to disregard sensational interpretations of official statements and instead rely on verified channels for information about military operations.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain a professional institution guided by law, doctrine and an unwavering commitment to national security. The leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede reflects decades of distinguished service, operational experience and strategic competence in addressing complex security challenges.”
