Armed Forces not prioritising leniency for repentant terrorists over victims – DHQ

Contrary to online report, the Defence Headquartres (DHQ) has debunked the notion that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) are prioritising leniency for repentant terrorists over justice for victims.

The DHQ made the clarification in a statement by the Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, saying that the remarks of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, regarding the Operation Safe Corridor (OSC) was deliberately distorted and misrepresented in the online publication.

The Operation Safe Corridor was set up in 2015 for the “Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Integration (DRR) of surrendered and repentant terrorists.

Uba accused the publication of using a framing strategy that selectively amplified certain phrases while ignoring the full context, and falsely suggested that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are prioritising leniency for terrorists over justice for victims.

“This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also undermines ongoing national security efforts,” he said.

Continuing, the DDI said: “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.

“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.”

Uba said the leadership of the Armed Forces being misrepresented continues to direct aggressive operations across various theatres of conflict, adding that Operation Safe Corridor simply addresses a different category of individuals – those who have voluntarily disengaged and met strict profiling criteria.

He said that strategic communication in modern warfare recognises the importance of de-radicalisation as a tool to reduce recruitment pipelines 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, therefore, urged the public to disregard sensational and out-of-context interpretations of official statements; rely on verified channels for accurate information on military operations and support ongoing military efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.

“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.”