By Peter Omopo
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims that the Nigerian Armed Forces are considering leniency for terrorists, describing the reports as misleading and taken out of context.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the DHQ said a viral social media post distorted remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, regarding Operation SAFE CORRIDOR.
The military high command said the post falsely suggested that the Armed Forces were prioritising leniency for terrorists over justice for victims, warning that such narratives undermine ongoing national security efforts.
Clarifying the initiative, the DHQ stated that Operation SAFE CORRIDOR is not an amnesty programme but a structured deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration scheme designed for surrendered, screened and low-risk former combatants.
According to the statement, the programme forms part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy that combines kinetic military operations with non-kinetic approaches.
The DHQ noted that hundreds of individuals have undergone the programme since its inception, contributing to intelligence gathering and weakening insurgent networks.
It further explained that the Chief of Defence Staff’s remarks were made during a professional military lecture, emphasising the importance of multi-dimensional conflict resolution and global best practices where rehabilitation complements military action.
The statement reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain committed to neutralising active terrorists and protecting law-abiding citizens, stressing that the programme targets only those who have voluntarily disengaged and met strict profiling criteria.
The DHQ urged the public to disregard sensational or out-of-context interpretations of official statements and to rely on verified sources for accurate information on military operations.
It also called for continued support for the Armed Forces in their efforts to restore peace and security across the country.
