The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted a misleading narrative, particularly on social media, suggesting that statements made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, regarding Operation Safe Corridor were misrepresented. The DHQ indicated that a Facebook post selectively presented comments, omitting crucial context and thereby creating a false impression that the Nigerian Armed Forces favour leniency for terrorists over justice for victims.
This portrayal, according to the military, is inaccurate and detrimental to ongoing national security operations. In a statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, it was clarified that Operation Safe Corridor is not an amnesty initiative. Instead, it is a structured programme designed for the deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of surrendered and thoroughly screened former combatants deemed low-risk.
Major General Uba explained that this programme is an integral component of a comprehensive counter-insurgency strategy, which incorporates both forceful (kinetic) and non-forceful (non-kinetic) methods. The DHQ highlighted that numerous participants have successfully completed the programme since its establishment, providing valuable intelligence that aids in dismantling insurgent networks.
The military further elaborated that the Chief of Defence Staff's remarks were made during a professional military doctrine lecture. He underscored the significance of adopting a multi-faceted approach to resolving conflicts.
His statements, the DHQ noted, align with global best practices where rehabilitation efforts complement, rather than supersede, active military operations. The Defence Headquarters reiterated its unwavering commitment to neutralising active terrorists and safeguarding law-abiding citizens. It emphasized that Operation Safe Corridor is strictly applied to individuals who have voluntarily surrendered and met stringent profiling criteria.
The DHQ also pointed out that deradicalisation is a vital strategy in contemporary warfare, aimed at reducing recruitment and breaking the cycle of violence, a context that was disregarded in the widely shared post. Consequently, the Defence Headquarters urged the public to disregard sensationalised and decontextualised interpretations of official communications and to rely on credible sources for accurate information. The military affirmed that its operations remain governed by legal frameworks, military doctrine, and a steadfast dedication to national security.
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