Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has issued a clear statement rejecting circulating social media narratives suggesting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are showing leniency toward terrorists. The statement clarified that these claims misrepresent comments made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, particularly in relation to Operation Safe Corridor, a programme focused on deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former combatants. The DHQ described the social media narratives as false, misleading, and damaging to national security efforts.
According to the DHQ, the misleading narratives arose from selective quoting and decontextualisation of the CDS’s remarks during a lecture on professional military doctrine. Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, explained that posts circulating online highlighted fragments of the CDS’s comments while ignoring the broader context, creating a false impression that the military sympathises with terrorists. The DHQ stated that this misrepresentation could undermine public trust and the effectiveness of ongoing security initiatives.
Operation Safe Corridor, the subject of the misinterpretation, is a structured initiative designed for the rehabilitation and reintegration of surrendered individuals who have voluntarily disengaged from insurgency and undergone screening to ensure they pose a low risk. The DHQ emphasised that the programme is not an amnesty scheme. Instead, it is part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy that combines both direct military operations and non-kinetic measures to weaken insurgent networks, reduce recruitment into violent groups, and support long-term stability in affected communities.
The DHQ highlighted that hundreds of former combatants have participated in Operation Safe Corridor, contributing to intelligence gathering and supporting efforts to dismantle insurgent networks. The military underscored that these rehabilitation initiatives complement battlefield operations, enhancing overall effectiveness rather than replacing active engagements against terrorists. The CDS’s comments, made during a professional lecture, stressed the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to conflict resolution aligned with global best practices. Any suggestion that these remarks indicate sympathy for terrorists was described as a severe misinterpretation.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to neutralising active terrorist threats while safeguarding civilians. The statement clarified that Operation Safe Corridor targets only those who have voluntarily disengaged and have met strict profiling criteria. The DHQ also explained that deradicalisation is an essential component of modern conflict management, as it helps reduce recruitment channels for insurgents and interrupts cycles of violence.
The DHQ further urged Nigerians to rely on verified and authoritative sources for accurate information regarding military operations. It warned against sensationalized social media narratives, which could erode public confidence and hinder national security efforts. The armed forces stressed that they operate as a professional institution guided by law, doctrine, and a commitment to the protection of the nation.
In conclusion, the DHQ emphasized that the military’s operations, including Operation Safe Corridor, are part of a comprehensive strategy to restore peace, ensure security, and provide sustainable solutions to the threats posed by insurgent groups. The clarification underscores the importance of understanding the context of rehabilitation initiatives as complementary to direct military action rather than a substitute or indication of leniency toward criminals.
The armed forces remain committed to safeguarding citizens, enforcing justice for victims of violence, and employing a multi-faceted approach to counter-insurgency that balances direct military action with strategic rehabilitation and reintegration of low-risk former combatants.
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