Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has rejected the idea of granting amnesty to repentant terrorists, insisting that only decisive military force can effectively end insurgency in the country.

Speaking at the inaugural lecture of the Nigerian Armed Forces at the Joint Doctrine Centre in Abuja, Oluyede said goodwill gestures and appeasement strategies have proven ineffective in tackling terrorism.

According to him, terrorist groups often take advantage of peace initiatives for strategic gain rather than genuine surrender.

He stated that such groups only lay down their arms when they are overwhelmed on the battlefield, not out of remorse, warning that claims of repentance should be treated with caution.

The defence chief called for sustained and decisive military action, stressing that force remains the most reliable approach to achieving lasting security.

The lecture was attended by senior military officers and personnel from various branches of the armed forces.