DHQ Clarifies CDS Position, Says Safe Corridor Not Amnesty for Terrorists
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed what it described as a misleading narrative surrounding recent remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, on Operation Safe Corridor, insisting that the programme is not an amnesty initiative for terrorists.
In a statement issued on March 26, 2026, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the military’s attention had been drawn to a social media post that distorted the CDS’s comments by taking them out of context.
According to the DHQ, the post falsely suggested that the Armed Forces of Nigeria were prioritising leniency for terrorists over justice for victims, a claim it described as inaccurate and capable of undermining ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
The statement clarified that Operation Safe Corridor is a structured deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration programme designed specifically for surrendered and screened low-risk former combatants, forming part of a broader strategy that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackling insurgency.
It noted that since its inception, the initiative has processed hundreds of individuals, many of whom have provided useful intelligence that has contributed to weakening insurgent networks.
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The DHQ further explained that the CDS’s remarks were made during a professional military doctrine lecture, where he emphasised the importance of multi-dimensional conflict resolution in line with global best practices. It stressed that rehabilitation efforts are meant to complement battlefield successes, not replace them.
“Any attempt to portray these remarks as sympathy for terrorists is a gross misinterpretation,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its stance, the military high command maintained that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to neutralising active terrorists and protecting law-abiding citizens across all theatres of operation.
It added that Operation Safe Corridor targets only a specific category of individuals who have voluntarily disengaged from insurgent activities and have met strict profiling criteria.
The DHQ also highlighted the role of strategic communication in modern warfare, noting that deradicalisation programmes are critical tools in disrupting recruitment pipelines and breaking cycles of violence.
It warned that selective and sensational interpretations of official statements risk distorting public understanding and weakening national security efforts.
The military urged the public to rely on verified sources for information regarding its operations and to disregard out-of-context narratives circulating on social media.
It reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain a professional institution guided by established laws and doctrine, with a firm commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country.
By PRNigeria
