The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Friday, said its programme for the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists was undergoing review in line with current realities on ground.
This is just as the Defence Headquarters said military assistance being provided by the United States government to Nigeria was at no cost and did not in any way undermine the country’s sovereignty.
On February 17, the DHQ confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel and associated equipment.
A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, said the deployment followed deliberations during a working group engagement between a Nigerian delegation and its United States counterpart.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Micheal Onoja, while addressing journalists during a briefing on ongoing military operations in Nigeria on Friday, acknowledged concerns raised by members of the public over the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programme for surrendered insurgents. Onoja said the programme is currently under review as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-insurgency strategy programme.
He noted that while the initiative recorded significant success at inception, challenges had emerged over time.
“Operation Safe Corridor, as you all know, was the Defence Headquarters’ policy in conjunction with the Borno State Government and relevant federal ministries to find a way to de-radicalise some of the elements who surrendered.
“For a period of time, that system achieved some significant success. As with everything, any human activity has some point of challenges. We do not deny that there are challenges, and we also acknowledge that there is a need for a review. In the laws of war, at the end of the day, the Boko Haram fighters are still considered Nigerians. They may have erred, and they will definitely account for whatever they have done. But if we have the opportunity to rehabilitate them, are we saying we should not.
“We are also as concerned as you and other members of the public. We have heard a lot of things the public is saying. I can assure you that the review will be done and you will hear our new operational directives for Operation Safe Corridor,” he said.
Onoja also addressed concerns over state-level peace initiatives with terrorists, noting that while governors have powers to adopt security measures within their states, such actions must align with federal directives.
“Some states have the rights and the powers to take every action that will secure their states. However, I can tell you confidently that they will not be able to do that without the authorisation of the Office of the National Security Adviser,” he said.
He added that the Armed Forces remained aligned with federal government policies.
“For us in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, any federal government policy, we are in line with it. And I’m sure that’s why you saw our troops also supervising those peace deals. So if the governor of a state has decided that that’s what he wants to do, of course, based on his own assessment of the security situation in the state, we will always support him. We don’t have any argument against it,” he said.
In the same vein, Onoja said the support from the US was focused on training Nigerian troops and strengthening ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, stressing that the collaboration should not be viewed as abnormal.
“The American government is interested in combating terrorism and the assistance being rendered to Nigeria comes at no cost,” he said.
Onoja maintained that Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security remained intact, adding that no aspect of the country’s sovereignty has been compromised.
“Our sovereignty is intact. Our territorial integrity is intact. Nobody is giving away our sovereignty,” he said.
He urged the public to focus on the value the partnership adds to Nigeria’s operations rather than the number of foreign personnel involved.
According to him, the cooperation in the last two months has already yielded positive outcomes, with more results expected in the coming days.
The defence spokesman explained that US personnel in the country were primarily engaged in training programmes, similar to arrangements where Nigerian officers travel abroad for training.
“There is no basis for concern. We go for training abroad all the time. This is simply a training programme,” he said.
He also assured that the military leadership, including theatre commanders and chief security officers in affected areas, remained on top of the security situation and were taking necessary steps to prevent further attacks.
Onoja called on the media to report security developments responsibly, noting that excessive publicity of terrorist activities could serve the interests of insurgents by spreading panic.
