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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied claims that repentant terrorists are being recruited into the Nigerian military.
Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that “We are not recruiting any killers into the army, and we can never do that.”
Ali dismissed speculation that former terrorists who were de-radicalised and reintegrated into society are now acting as informants for Boko Haram/ISWAP or undermining military operations in the Northeast.
He said low-risk repentant fighters, many of whom were coerced into terrorist groups or escaped, cannot return to insurgency without facing death from high-risk fighters.
“There is no way the repentant terrorists, who are low-risk terrorists, who were conscripted, forced to join the Boko Haram insurgency against their will, and many who escaped from the terrorists’ dens when the opportunity came, can go back to the terrorists’ group,” Ali said.
“They will be killed. The high-risk terrorists believe they are now government spies who have benefitted and will sell them out.”
He explained that Operation Safe Corridor, launched in 2015–2016, is a rehabilitation and reintegration programme for surrendered insurgents, not a military recruitment drive.
Only low-risk individuals cleared by the justice system are admitted, while high-risk terrorists are prosecuted under criminal law.
“Only the low-risk group is admitted into Operation Safe Corridor for rehabilitation – these are individuals the justice system has determined have no case to answer,” the official said.
“Participants receive de-radicalisation, trauma counselling, and vocational training to prepare them for civilian life. Many arrive suffering from psychological trauma and drug dependency.
“Skills training such as tailoring, carpentry, and farming helps ensure they can contribute positively to society.
Ali stated that Operation Safe Corridor does not take the place of criminal justice, saying, “Hardcore terrorists captured during operations are prosecuted and, if convicted, imprisoned.
“The programme operates on a dual-track system: criminal justice for offenders and rehabilitation and reintegration for victims.”
He added, “The military’s message is clear: Operation Safe Corridor is about rehabilitation, not recruitment, and its purpose is to prevent a return to violence.”
