Military refutes claim of recruiting ex-Boko Haram fighters

The military has dismissed as false, misleading and entirely unfounded allegations that repentant and active Boko Haram members are being armed to fight alongside the Nigerian military.

This is contained in a statement by the Coordinator of the programme, Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Ali, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ali said the viral video and accompanying claims suggesting that “repentant and active Boko Haram terrorists” were being armed lacked any factual basis.

He explained that “Operation Safe Corridor” remained a strictly non-kinetic, multi-agency initiative focused on de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration of former insurgents.

“The claim is false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.

“At no point are participants armed, mobilised, or deployed for combat operations,” he said.

Ali clarified that several de-radicalisation initiatives existed at state levels but operated independently of the Federal Government and Defence Headquarters.

He said individuals processed under such arrangements were not recognised as participants within the Operation Safe Corridor framework.

“This distinction is critical in addressing the misinformation being circulated,” he added.

The coordinator also dismissed claims linked to the video, stating that the facility shown was not the official Safe Corridor camp.

According to him, the designated camp is located in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State, and operates under a secure and controlled military environment.

“The location shown in the video is clearly inconsistent with the OPSC facility,” he said.

He added that the individuals featured in the video, including a foreign blogger, had no affiliation with or access to the programme.

Ali noted that participants of the programme were carefully screened and, upon completion, handed over to state authorities for reintegration under established monitoring frameworks.

He said the programme had continued to reduce the number of active fighters and support long-term national stability.

The coordinator also highlighted the involvement of international partners, including the European Union, in supporting the initiative.

According to him, this underscores the programme’s transparency and compliance with global best practices.

Ali warned that misinformation could undermine national security efforts and erode public trust.

He, however, invited the originator of the claim and other credible observers to visit the camp for independent verification.

“We remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and the effective execution of our mandate,” he said.

(NAN)