DHQ Debunks ‘Misleading’ Social Media Claims on Operation Safe Corridor, Defends CDS Remarks
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as “misleading” and “deliberately distorted” a viral social media narrative alleging that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are prioritizing leniency for terrorists over justice, insisting that the comments by Olufemi Oluyede were taken out of context.
In a statement e-signed by Director of Defence Information, Major General Samailia Uba and issued on March 26, 2026, the DHQ said its attention was drawn to a Facebook post that misrepresented the Chief of Defence Staff’s remarks on Operation Safe Corridor, warning that such portrayals undermine national security efforts.
According to the military, the viral post employed “a framing strategy that selectively amplifies certain phrases while ignoring the full context,” falsely suggesting a shift in operational priorities. “This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also undermines ongoing national security efforts,” the statement said.
Clarifying the intent and structure of the programme, the DHQ stressed that Operation Safe Corridor “is not an amnesty programme but a carefully structured deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration initiative targeted strictly at surrendered, screened and low-risk former combatants.” It added that the initiative forms part of a broader counter-insurgency framework that blends both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
The statement further noted that “evidence shows that hundreds of individuals have passed through this process since inception, contributing to intelligence gathering and weakening insurgent structures,” underscoring the programme’s strategic value.
On the alleged remarks by the CDS, the DHQ explained that they were delivered in a professional military doctrine lecture and focused on global best practices in conflict resolution. It emphasized that “his remarks highlighted global best practices where rehabilitation complements battlefield successes, not replaces them,” describing any contrary interpretation as “a gross misinterpretation.”
Reaffirming its operational stance, the military said it remains “unequivocally committed to neutralizing active terrorists and protecting law-abiding citizens,” noting that ongoing aggressive operations across various theatres of conflict continue under the same leadership being misrepresented.
The DHQ also highlighted the importance of non-kinetic strategies in modern warfare, stating that “strategic communication in modern warfare recognizes the importance of de-radicalisation as a tool to reduce recruitment pipelines and break cycles of violence.” It warned that the viral narrative ignores this critical dimension and promotes a misleading understanding of military operations.
Urging caution, the Defence Headquarters called on the public to “disregard sensational and out-of-context interpretations of official statements,” while encouraging reliance on verified channels for accurate information and support for ongoing military efforts.
The statement reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain “a professional institution guided by law, doctrine and an unwavering commitment to national security,” adding that the leadership of Olufemi Oluyede reflects “decades of distinguished service, operational experience and strategic competence in addressing complex security challenges.”
