Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has defended Operation Safe Corridor, the Nigerian military’s deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme for former Boko Haram fighters, stating that giving repentant insurgents a second chance is better than forcing them back into violence.
Speaking on Wednesday during an inaugural lecture at the Joint Doctrine Centre in Abuja, Oluyede acknowledged public concerns about rehabilitating individuals who had committed violent acts. However, he argued that offering them a path to reintegration could reduce further bloodshed.
“Many people ask why we should rehabilitate criminals, saying they should all be killed because they have killed others. That may make sense,” he said. “But even in the Bible, we heard about the prodigal son. If there was no window for him to return, would he have come back? These are Nigerians, and it’s important to give them the opportunity to repent rather than pushing them to the extreme.”
The defence chief also called for greater institutional support for the programme, noting that Operation Safe Corridor is currently funded and managed largely by Defence Headquarters without a dedicated budget line.
“I think it’s important for us to make people understand, especially the National Assembly. As we speak, everything about Safe Corridor has been driven by Defence Headquarters, and there’s no specific budget for it. At some point, we may come calling for your support,” he added.
Oluyede’s remarks have sparked intense debate across the country. Critics argue that rehabilitating former insurgents sends the wrong message and undermines justice for victims. Others, however, believe deradicalisation programmes are necessary in counter-insurgency efforts, where total military victory may not always be achievable.
The discussion continues to generate mixed reactions among Nigerians, reflecting the complex challenges of balancing security, justice, and long-term peace.
