Military Dismisses Claim of Arming Ex-Boko Haram Fighters
The military has dismissed claims that repentant Boko Haram members are being armed to fight alongside troops, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
Operation Safe Corridor, the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation programme, said the claim circulating in a viral video was entirely unfounded and did not reflect the mandate or operations of the initiative.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Ali, said the programme remained a non-kinetic, multi-agency effort focused on rehabilitation and reintegration of former insurgents.
“It is necessary to categorically state that this claim is false, misleading, and entirely unfounded,” he said.
Ali explained that individuals undergoing the programme are not armed, mobilised, or deployed for combat operations at any stage.
“At no point are participants armed, mobilised, or deployed for combat operations. Upon completion, they are handed over to relevant state authorities for reintegration,” he added.
He also clarified that the facility shown in the viral video was not the official Operation Safe Corridor camp, noting that the designated centre is located in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State, and operates under a secured military environment.
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According to him, the individuals featured in the video, including a foreign blogger linked to the claim, have no affiliation with the programme and were never granted access to its facility.
Ali further noted that some de-radicalisation initiatives run by state governments operate independently and are not under the supervision of the Defence Headquarters.
He stressed that such distinctions were important in addressing misinformation and preventing confusion about the Safe Corridor programme.
The military said the programme continues to play a key role in reducing the number of insurgents through voluntary disengagement while supporting long-term peace and stability.
Ali also disclosed that Operation Safe Corridor operates with the support of international partners, including the European Union, ensuring compliance with global standards and best practices.
He warned that false narratives could undermine national security efforts and erode public confidence, urging the public to disregard the claim.
The coordinator, however, invited the originator of the allegation and other credible observers to visit the facility for independent verification.
“We remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and the effective execution of our mandate,” he said.
- By PRNigeria
