Defence Cheif’s Remarks on Operation Safe Corridor Distorted, DHQ Clarifies

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as misleading a narrative circulating on social media, particularly a Facebook post that it said deliberately distorted remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, on Operation Safe Corridor.

According to the DHQ, the post employed selective framing by amplifying certain phrases while ignoring the broader context, thereby creating the false impression that the Armed Forces of Nigeria prioritise leniency for terrorists over justice for victims. 

It described this portrayal as inaccurate and harmful to ongoing national security efforts.

In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, clarified that Operation Safe Corridor is not an amnesty programme but a structured initiative focused on the deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of surrendered and screened low-risk former combatants.

He explained that the programme forms part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

He noted that since its inception, hundreds of participants have passed through the programme, contributing valuable intelligence and helping to weaken insurgent networks.

The DHQ further explained that the CDS made his remarks during a professional military doctrine lecture, where he emphasised the importance of multi-dimensional conflict resolution.

His comments, it said, reflected global best practices in which rehabilitation efforts complement, rather than replace, military operations.

Reaffirming its stance, the DHQ stated that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to neutralising active terrorists and protecting law-abiding citizens. 

It stressed that Operation Safe Corridor targets only those who have voluntarily surrendered and met strict profiling conditions.

The statement also highlighted the role of deradicalisation in modern warfare as a strategic tool for reducing recruitment and breaking cycles of violence, noting that this aspect was ignored in the viral post.

The Defence Headquarters urged the public to disregard sensational and out-of-context interpretations of official statements and to rely on verified channels for accurate information. 

It reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain a professional institution guided by law, doctrine, and a steadfast commitment to national security.