Nigerian military debunks claim of recruiting ex-Boko Haram fighters

The Nigerian military has dismissed as false claims that repentant and active Boko Haram members are being armed to fight alongside its forces, describing the allegations as misleading and without any factual basis.

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In a statement issued in Abuja, Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, coordinator of the deradicalisation programme, rejected a viral video suggesting that former insurgents were being equipped for combat operations.

He explained that Operation Safe Corridor is a strictly non-kinetic, multi-agency initiative focused on the deradicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration of former fighters, stressing that participants are never armed or deployed for military duties.

“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 while some de-radicalisation initiatives exist at state levels, they operate independently and are not recognised under the Safe Corridor framework, a distinction he said is important in addressing the misinformation.

He also dismissed suggestions linked to the viral footage, stating that the location shown was not the official programme facility. According to him, the designated camp is situated in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State, and operates within a secure and controlled military environment.

“The location shown in the video is clearly inconsistent with the OPSC facility,” he added, noting that individuals featured in the footage, including a foreign blogger, had no connection to the programme.

Ali further explained that participants undergo careful screening and, upon completion, are handed over to state authorities for reintegration under monitored conditions. He said the initiative has contributed to reducing the number of active insurgents and supporting long-term national stability.

He highlighted the involvement of international partners such as the European Union, saying their support reflects the programme’s transparency and adherence to global best practices.

Warning that misinformation could undermine national security efforts, Ali invited the originator of the claims and other credible observers to visit the facility for independent verification, reaffirming the military’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.