DHQ debunks ‘leniency for terrorists’ claim, defends deradicalisation programme

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed what it describes as a misleading social media narrative misrepresenting comments by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, on the government’s deradicalisation programme, Operation Safe Corridor.

According to a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said a Facebook post had “deliberately distorted” the remarks, creating the false impression that the Armed Forces of Nigeria were prioritising leniency for former fighters over justice for victims.

The Defence Headquarters said Operation Safe Corridor is not an amnesty programme but a structured initiative focused on deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration of surrendered and screened low-risk former combatants. It added that the programme forms part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy that combines military operations with non-military measures.

Officials has said hundreds of individuals have passed through the scheme since its inception, with authorities arguing that it has contributed to intelligence gathering and weakened insurgent networks.

The military also said the Chief of Defence Staff’s remarks were made during a professional lecture on military doctrine, where he highlighted the role of multi-dimensional approaches in resolving conflicts. It said his comments reflected global practices in which rehabilitation efforts complement battlefield operations.

The Defence Headquarters maintained that the armed forces remain committed to ongoing operations against active militant groups, stressing that troops continue to carry out offensives across different conflict zones in the country.

It added that Operation Safe Corridor targets only individuals who have voluntarily disengaged from armed groups and undergone strict profiling, distinguishing them from active fighters still engaged in violence.

The statement further noted that modern counter-insurgency strategies increasingly incorporate deradicalisation programmes to reduce recruitment and break cycles of violence, warning that selective interpretations of official remarks risk undermining public understanding of such efforts.

The military urged the public to rely on verified information channels, disregard what it described as sensational or out-of-context claims, and support ongoing efforts to restore security.

It added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain guided by professional standards and legal frameworks, reaffirming their commitment to national security.