By Paul Joseph
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has called for the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists in North-East Nigeria, likening them to the biblical “prodigal son” who returns home after straying.
Oluyede made the remarks while speaking at the Armed Forces’ inaugural lecture for the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre (JDWC) in Abuja. He argued that providing a pathway for insurgents to surrender and reintegrate into society is a more strategic and humane approach than killing them.
According to him, many individuals involved in insurgency are Nigerians who should be given an opportunity to reform and contribute positively to society. He noted that allowing voluntary repentance could weaken extremist groups by encouraging defections.
The defence chief referenced the Federal Government’s deradicalisation programme, Operation Safe Corridor, as a key framework for reintegrating former fighters. He said such initiatives could help reduce violence by offering insurgents a chance to abandon extremism.
However, his comments have sparked widespread reactions, particularly on social media, where many Nigerians criticised the approach as too lenient. Critics argue that after years of killings, abductions, and destruction linked to groups like Boko Haram, justice for victims should take precedence over reintegration efforts.
The debate comes amid ongoing security challenges in the North-East. Recent attacks in Borno State reportedly left more than 20 people dead, highlighting the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups.
The region has endured some of Nigeria’s most tragic incidents, including the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, which drew global condemnation.
Data from the United Nations Development Programme indicates that insurgent violence in the North-East since 2009 has resulted in over 350,000 deaths, with children accounting for a significant proportion of the casualties.
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