Defence Headquarters denies pampering terrorists in Operation SAFE CORRIDOR

Crime Diary

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — 26 March 2026 — Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has issued a statement refuting what it described as a misleading narrative circulating on social media, particularly a Facebook post that distorted the remarks of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, regarding Operation SAFE CORRIDOR.

The Army accused those behind the misrepresentation of deliberately using a framing strategy that selectively amplified certain phrases while ignoring the full context. According to the statement, the post falsely suggested that the Armed Forces of Nigeria were prioritising leniency for terrorists over justice for victims.

Rejecting such portrayals, the military warned that the inaccuracies were capable of undermining ongoing national security efforts.

In a statement released on Thursday by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, the military clarified 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 Defence Headquarters explained that the programme forms part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. It noted that individuals processed under the initiative have contributed to intelligence gathering and the weakening of insurgent structures.

The statement reads in part: “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.”

It further stressed: “Third, the Nigerian Armed Forces remain unequivocally committed to neutralising active terrorists and protecting law-abiding citizens.”

The military emphasised that the same leadership being misrepresented continues to direct aggressive operations across various theatres of conflict. Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, it said, addresses only those who have voluntarily disengaged and met strict profiling criteria.

The Defence Headquarters also underscored the importance of strategic communication in modern warfare, noting that deradicalisation reduces recruitment pipelines and breaks cycles of violence. It criticised the viral post for ignoring this critical dimension and instead promoting a simplistic and misleading narrative.

Finally, the Armed Forces urged the public to disregard sensational and out-of-context interpretations of official statements, and to rely on verified channels for accurate information on military operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.

The statement concluded with a pledge that the Armed Forces will continue to uphold professionalism, guided by law, doctrine, and an unwavering commitment to national security.