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| General Olufemi Oluyede |
ABUJA, Nigeria
Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has ignited debate after advocating for a policy that offers repentant “terrorists” a chance to reintegrate rather than face elimination.
Speaking at an Armed Forces lecture in Abuja, General Oluyede defended the military’s Operation Safe Corridor, acknowledging public sentiment that insurgents should be killed for their crimes. However, he argued that the military must maintain a pathway for those willing to surrender.
Drawing a parallel to the biblical story of the prodigal son, the General stated that many insurgents are Nigerians who should not be pushed further into extremism.
The remarks have drawn criticism from those who argue the approach underestimates the scale of violence and trauma inflicted by insurgents. Critics also cite concerns that some rehabilitated fighters allegedly return to terrorism.