… Killings of Hundreds of Soldiers, Nigerians by Terrorists
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has defended the Nigerian military’s policy of offering terrorists an opportunity to surrender and repent, rather than immediately resorting to lethal force.
This disclosure was coming just as Nigerians were wondering why the terrorist groups appeared to continually have the upper hand against the Nigerian troops despite careful planning of operational attacks.
The statement has further shocked Nigerians, considering that these terrorist groups have killed hundreds100 of soldiers, decapitated some, and even video recorded these acts.
They had also killed, raped and kidnapped many civilians, causing Nigeria to become a point of concern and focus for the international community.
It will be recalled that some weeks back, the current National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, described these terrorists as “our brothers,” an indicator of being on the same page with the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nigerian Armed Forces’ inaugural lecture held at the Joint Doctrine Centre in Abuja, Oluyede addressed growing public criticism over the military’s handling of insurgents, particularly following deadly attacks across parts of the country.
“People are asking why we are not killing terrorists even if they have killed others,” he said. “Well, even in the Bible, the prodigal son was given a chance, so we should give terrorists a chance to repent if they want to.”
The defence chief explained that the strategy is rooted in the recognition that many of those involved in insurgency are Nigerians, and that offering a pathway to repentance could help curb the cycle of violence.
“Because these are Nigerians mostly, it is important for us to give them that window to repent rather than pushing them to the extreme that it’s either we kill you, or you continue with your adventure,” Oluyede added.
Nigeria has battled a prolonged insurgency, particularly in the North-East, driven largely by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions over the past decade.
In response, the military has combined kinetic operations with non-kinetic strategies, including deradicalisation and reintegration programmes for repentant fighters.
Initiatives such as Operation Safe Corridor are designed to rehabilitate former insurgents and reintegrate them into society.
However, the policy has remained controversial, with some Nigerians questioning its effectiveness and fairness, especially for victims of insurgent violence who demand justice and accountability. #Securitynewsalert.com
