By Kingsley Omonobi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading narratives circulating on social media suggesting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are prioritising leniency for terrorists over justice for victims.
The military called on the public to disregard sensational and out-of-context interpretations of official statements and instead support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the country.
In a statement titled “Re: Misrepresentation of the Chief of Defence Staff’s Remarks in Operation Safe Corridor,” the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the claims stem from a deliberate distortion of comments made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.
According to the statement, a viral social media post selectively amplified portions of the CDS’s remarks while ignoring their full context, thereby creating the false impression that the military is showing sympathy towards terrorists.
“This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also undermines ongoing national security efforts,” the statement said.
The DHQ clarified that Operation Safe Corridor is not an amnesty programme, but a structured deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration initiative designed specifically for surrendered, screened, and low-risk former combatants.
It noted that the programme is part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, adding that hundreds of individuals have undergone the process, contributing to intelligence gathering and weakening insurgent networks.
The statement 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.
“His remarks highlighted how rehabilitation efforts complement battlefield successes rather than replace them. Any attempt to frame these comments as sympathy for terrorists is a gross misinterpretation,” DHQ stated.
Reaffirming its stance, the military said it remains fully committed to neutralising active terrorists while protecting law-abiding citizens across all theatres of operation.
It stressed that Operation Safe Corridor targets only those who have voluntarily disengaged from insurgency and have met strict profiling criteria.
The DHQ also underscored the role of deradicalisation in modern warfare, noting that such strategies help reduce recruitment pipelines and break cycles of violence.
It urged Nigerians to rely on verified sources for accurate information and to support the Armed Forces in their mission to secure the nation.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain a professional institution guided by law, doctrine, and an unwavering commitment to national security,” the statement added.
The post Disregard false claims of leniency toward terrorists, DHQ urges public appeared first on Vanguard News.
