Safe corridor: Nigerian military clears air on CDS’ remarks

News Safe corridor: Nigerian military clears air on CDS’ remarks Published on March 27, 2026 By Matthew Atungwu googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has dismissed as misleading and distorted, claims circulating on social media concerning 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 released 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. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); 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 said. 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 added. 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. Don't Miss Kebbi: Customs auctions 66,500 litres of seized petrol You may like Maiduguri bombings: It’s true – Ndume on CDS naming two states as major culprits for terrorism Insecurity: Take ownership of fight against terrorism – CDS urges Borno, Yobe residents CDS assures Benue of military backing for lasting peace  Push for better salary for military personnel – Ndume to CDS, other service chiefs We’ll go after enemies of Nigeria’s unity, sovereignty – CDS How to defeat Boko Haram war – Former CDS Irabor

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/27/safe-corridor-nigerian-military-clears-air-on-cds-remarks/