Nigeria’s military says remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede on deradicalisation of terrorists were taken out of context.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as misleading a narrative circulating on social media, particularly a Facebook post it said distorted remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, on Operation Safe Corridor.
According to the DHQ, the post used selective framing by amplifying certain phrases while ignoring the broader context, thereby creating what it described as a false impression that the Armed Forces of Nigeria prioritise leniency for terrorists over justice for victims.
The military said such a portrayal is inaccurate and harmful to ongoing national security efforts.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, clarified that Operation Safe Corridor is not an amnesty programme, but a structured initiative focused on the deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of surrendered and screened low-risk former combatants.
He explained that the programme forms part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
According to the DHQ, hundreds of participants have passed through the programme since its inception, providing useful intelligence and contributing to efforts to weaken insurgent networks.
The military further stated that the CDS made the remarks during a professional military doctrine lecture, where he emphasised the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to conflict resolution.
It said his comments reflected global best practices in which rehabilitation efforts complement, rather than replace, military operations.
The DHQ reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain committed to neutralising active terrorists and protecting law-abiding citizens, stressing that Operation Safe Corridor applies only to those who have voluntarily surrendered and met strict profiling conditions.
It also highlighted deradicalisation as an important tool in modern warfare for reducing recruitment and breaking cycles of violence, noting that this context was ignored in the viral post.
The Defence Headquarters urged the public to disregard sensational and out-of-context interpretations of official statements and to rely on verified channels for accurate information. It maintained that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain guided by law, military doctrine, and commitment to national security.
