By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters has debunked misleading social media narratives that distorted remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, regarding Operation SAFE CORRIDOR.
A viral post suggested that the Armed Forces of Nigeria were prioritising leniency for terrorists over justice for victims. Defence Headquarters described this as a “gross misrepresentation” of the CDS’s comments.
According to a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, Operation SAFE CORRIDOR is not an amnesty programme, but a structured rehabilitation, deradicalisation, and reintegration initiative strictly for surrendered, screened, low-risk former combatants.
The statement emphasised that hundreds of individuals have undergone the process since inception, contributing to intelligence gathering and weakening insurgent networks.
“The CDS’s remarks were made in the context of professional military doctrine, highlighting global best practices where rehabilitation complements battlefield successes, not replaces them,” the statement read.
Defence Headquarters reiterated that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully committed to neutralising active terrorists while ensuring public safety. The public was urged to rely on verified sources for accurate information and disregard out-of-context interpretations.