DHQ Denies Prioritizing Repentant Terrorists Over Victims, Clarifies Operation Safe Corridor
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly refuted an online report alleging that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) are prioritizing leniency for repentant terrorists over justice for victims. In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, the DHQ labeled the publication as a deliberate distortion and misrepresentation of remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, regarding Operation Safe Corridor (OSC).
Operation Safe Corridor: A Structured Deradicalization Initiative
Maj.-Gen. Uba emphasized that Operation Safe Corridor, established in 2015, is not an amnesty program but a carefully structured initiative focused on the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Integration (DRR) of surrendered and repentant terrorists. He clarified that the program targets strictly surrendered, screened, and low-risk former combatants as part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy that combines kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
"This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also undermines ongoing national security efforts," Uba stated, accusing the publication of using a framing strategy that selectively amplified phrases while ignoring the full context. He highlighted that evidence shows hundreds of individuals have passed through the process since its inception, contributing to intelligence gathering and weakening insurgent structures.
Context of CDS Remarks and Military Doctrine
The DHQ explained that the comments by Gen. Oluyede were made within the context of a professional military doctrine lecture, emphasizing the importance of multi-dimensional conflict resolution. Uba noted that the 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," he asserted.
Furthermore, Uba reiterated that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain unequivocally committed to neutralizing active terrorists and protecting law-abiding citizens. He added that the leadership continues to direct aggressive operations across various theatres of conflict, with Operation Safe Corridor addressing a different category of individuals—those who have voluntarily disengaged and met strict profiling criteria.
Strategic Communication and Public Awareness
Maj.-Gen. Uba pointed out that strategic communication in modern warfare recognizes the importance of de-radicalization 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 said.
He urged the public to disregard sensational and out-of-context interpretations of official statements and rely on verified channels for accurate information on military operations. Uba called for support of ongoing military efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country, affirming that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain a professional institution guided by law, doctrine, and an unwavering commitment to national security.
In conclusion, the DHQ praised the leadership of Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reflecting decades of distinguished service, operational experience, and strategic competence in addressing complex security challenges.
