The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has sparked widespread debate after suggesting that terrorists should be given a chance to reform rather than being eliminated outright.
He made this statement during the Armed Forces’ inaugural lecture for the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre held in Abuja, where he addressed concerns surrounding the military’s deradicalisation programme, Operation Safe Corridor.
According to Oluyede, many Nigerians have questioned why individuals involved in violent crimes should be rehabilitated instead of facing lethal consequences. While acknowledging that such views may seem justified, he stressed that the programme offers an alternative for those willing to abandon insurgency.
Using a religious analogy, he compared the initiative to the story of the prodigal son, explaining that giving individuals an opportunity to return and reintegrate into society can prevent them from being pushed deeper into violence.
He noted that many insurgents are Nigerians and should be allowed a pathway to renounce extremism voluntarily. Forcing them into a situation where their only options are death or continued conflict, he argued, could worsen the crisis.
The defence chief also called for better understanding of the programme, particularly among lawmakers, noting that it is currently being managed by the Defence Headquarters.
His comments come amid ongoing insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, where groups like Boko Haram continue to carry out attacks and abductions. The conflict, which began in 2009, has caused massive loss of life and displacement, including the widely condemned Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping.
While the rehabilitation approach remains controversial, Oluyede maintained that combining military action with reintegration efforts could contribute to long-term peace and stability.
