By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as misleading a viral social media post that allegedly distorted comments made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, regarding Operation Safe Corridor.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the post falsely portrayed the Armed Forces of Nigeria as prioritizing leniency for terrorists over justice for victims. He described the narrative as a deliberate misrepresentation that undermines ongoing national security efforts.
According to DHQ, Operation Safe Corridor is not an amnesty programme but a structured initiative focused on the deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of surrendered and carefully screened low-risk former combatants. The programme, is part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy that combines both military and non-military approaches.
The statement added that hundreds of individuals have gone through the initiative since its inception, contributing to intelligence gathering and weakening insurgent networks.
Clarifying the context of the CDS’s remarks, DHQ explained that Olufemi Oluyede spoke during a professional military doctrine lecture, where he emphasized the importance of multi-dimensional conflict resolution. His comments, the statement said, reflected global best practices where rehabilitation efforts complement military operations rather than replace them.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully committed to neutralizing active terrorists and safeguarding law-abiding citizens,” the statement stressed.
DHQ further noted that ongoing military operations across various theatres demonstrate the Armed Forces’ continued focus on aggressive counter-terrorism efforts. It explained that Operation Safe Corridor targets only individuals who have voluntarily surrendered and passed strict profiling processes.
The military also highlighted the role of deradicalisation in modern warfare, noting that such strategies help reduce recruitment into insurgent groups and break cycles of violence. It warned that selective and out-of-context interpretations of official statements risk misleading the public.
The Defence Headquarters urged citizens to disregard sensational narratives, rely on verified sources for information, and continue supporting the military’s efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
Reaffirming its stance, DHQ stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain a professional institution guided by law and committed to national security. It added that the leadership of Olufemi Oluyede reflects extensive experience and strategic capability in addressing complex security challenges.
