DHQ: repentant terrorists not recruited for combat operations
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that repentant terrorists undergoing rehabilitation are not recruited or deployed for combat operations, dismissing contrary claims as false and misleading. The military high command,
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that repentant terrorists undergoing rehabilitation are not recruited or deployed for combat operations, dismissing contrary claims as false and misleading.
The military high command, in a statement yesterday, also challenged allegations circulating on social media that “repentant and active Boko Haram terrorists” are being armed to fight alongside troops under Operation Safe Corridor.
The claim was made in a viral video by a Danish vlogger, Jones Raw, who alleged that former insurgents were being integrated into military operations.
But the DHQ, speaking through the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Yusuf Ali, described the allegation as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”
Ali said the facility shown in the video is not the official De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) camp operated under the programme.
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He explained that the recognised OPSC facility handling former Boko Haram members is located in Mallam Sidi and functions as a secure and controlled military environment.
“The location shown in the video is clearly inconsistent with the OPSC facility, based on observable differences in structural design, layout, and operational setting,” he said.
He added that neither the vlogger nor individuals featured in the video had any known association with, or authorised access to, the camp, rendering the claims inaccurate and deliberately misleading.
Ali stressed that Operation Safe Corridor operates with the support of international partners, including the European Union, and complies with global standards on rehabilitation and reintegration.
He described the initiative as a strictly non-kinetic, multi-agency programme focused on deradicalising and reintegrating carefully screened individuals.
“At no point are participants armed, mobilised, or deployed for combat operations,” he said.
According to him, upon completion of the programme, participants are handed over to relevant state authorities for reintegration and remain under structured monitoring frameworks.
He added that the programme remains a key component of Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, aimed at reducing the number of active fighters, encouraging defections, and promoting long-term stability.
The DHQ also invited credible observers to visit the DRR camp in Mallam Sidi to independently verify the programme’s operations and counter what it described as misinformation.
