The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports suggesting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are favouring leniency for repentant terrorists over justice for victims, describing such claims as misleading.

In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, the military said comments made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, on the Operation Safe Corridor were taken out of context and inaccurately portrayed in an online report.

Uba explained that the publication misrepresented the intent of the remarks by selectively highlighting certain aspects while ignoring their full context, thereby creating the impression that the military prioritises reconciliation over justice.

He warned that such narratives could undermine ongoing security efforts.

According to him, Operation Safe Corridor, established in 2015, is not an amnesty initiative but a structured programme focused on the deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration of surrendered insurgents who have undergone strict screening and are classified as low-risk.

He added that the initiative forms part of a broader counter-insurgency strategy that combines both military operations and non-military approaches. Uba noted that participants in the programme have, over time, contributed to intelligence gathering and efforts aimed at weakening insurgent networks.

Clarifying the CDS’s remarks, the defence spokesperson said they were delivered during a professional military lecture and reflected global best practices in conflict resolution, where rehabilitation efforts are used alongside battlefield operations.

He stressed that interpreting the comments as sympathy for terrorists is a misreading of their intent.

Uba reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain focused on eliminating active threats and safeguarding citizens, while the rehabilitation programme targets only individuals who have voluntarily surrendered and met established criteria.

He further noted that modern security strategies recognise deradicalisation as a key tool in disrupting recruitment and reducing cycles of violence, warning that oversimplified narratives ignore this important dimension.

The Defence Headquarters urged the public to rely on verified sources for information on military operations and disregard sensational interpretations of official statements.

It also reiterated that the Armed Forces operate within established legal and professional frameworks, maintaining a commitment to national security under the leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede.