The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading claims suggesting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are prioritising leniency for terrorists over justice for victims.

The military, in a statement, urged the public to disregard what it described as sensational and out-of-context narratives circulating on social media, stressing the need for continued support in efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.

In the statement titled “Re: Misrepresentation of the Chief of Defence Staff’s Remarks in Operation Safe Corridor,” the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the claims were based on a distortion of comments made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.

According to him, a viral post selectively highlighted parts of the CDS’s remarks while ignoring the broader context, thereby creating a false impression that the military was showing sympathy towards terrorists.

“This portrayal is not only inaccurate but also undermines ongoing national security efforts,” the statement said.

The DHQ clarified that Operation Safe Corridor is not an amnesty programme, but a structured initiative focused on the deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of surrendered and low-risk former combatants.

It explained that the programme forms part of a comprehensive counter-insurgency strategy that combines both military operations and non-kinetic approaches.

The military added that many individuals who passed through the programme have contributed to intelligence gathering and efforts to weaken insurgent networks.

It further noted that the CDS made the remarks during a professional military lecture, where he emphasised the importance of adopting multi-dimensional strategies in addressing insurgency.

“His remarks highlighted how rehabilitation efforts complement battlefield successes rather than replace them. Any attempt to frame these comments as sympathy for terrorists is a gross misinterpretation,” the DHQ stated.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Armed Forces said it remains focused on neutralising active threats while safeguarding citizens across the country.

The DHQ also urged Nigerians to rely on credible sources of information and avoid spreading misinformation capable of undermining national security efforts.