DHQ clarifies CDS remarks, says Safe Corridor not amnesty for terrorists

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as misleading and distorted, claims circulating on social media on remarks by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on the military’s deradicalisation initiative, Operation SAFE CORRIDOR.

This is contained in a statement on Friday in Abuja, by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba.

Uba said that the viral narrative, particularly on Facebook, falsely portrayed the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) as prioritising leniency for terrorists over justice for victims.

He noted that the post deliberately misrepresented the CDS’s remarks by taking them out of context.

According to him, Operation SAFE CORRIDOR is not an amnesty programme, but a structured deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration initiative designed strictly for surrendered, screened and low-risk former combatants.

“The programme is part of a comprehensive counter-insurgency framework that integrates both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.”

He explained that the CDS’s comments were made during a professional military doctrine lecture, where he emphasised global best practices that combined rehabilitation efforts with sustained military operations.

He reaffirmed that the AFN remained resolute in neutralising active terrorists and safeguarding law-abiding citizens across all theatres of operation.

“Any attempt to portray the remarks as sympathy for terrorists is a gross misinterpretation.

“Operation SAFE CORRIDOR addresses only those who have voluntarily disengaged from terrorism and have met strict profiling criteria,” he said.

Uba noted that modern conflict management recognised deradicalisation as a critical tool in disrupting recruitment pipelines and breaking cycles of violence.

He warned that selective framing of military communication undermined national security efforts and promoted misleading narratives.

The defence spokesman urged members of the public to disregard sensational and out-of-context interpretations of official statements, and to rely on verified sources for information, as well as to support ongoing military operations.

He reiterated that the military remained a professional institution guided by law and committed to restoring lasting peace and security in the country.