DHQ Debunks Claims Of Recruiting Repentant Terrorists Into The Military
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has insisted that repentant terrorists are not being recruited into the military.
Furthermore, the DHQ dismissed as unfounded, claims in some quarters that repentant terrorists who were reintegrated into the society are now allegedly turning into informants for terrorists and sabotaging efforts of the military in the Northeast.
Brigadier General Yusuf Alli, Coordinator, Operation Safe Corridor, explained in Abuja on Tuesday, that “there is no way the repentant terrorists, who are low-risk terrorists, who were conscripted, forced to join the Boko Haram insurgency against their will, and many who escaped from the terrorists’ enclaves, can go back to the terrorists’ group.
“They will be killed. The high-risk terrorists believe they are now government spies and will sell them out.”
While speaking exclusively on the rehabilitation and reintegration initiative of Operation Safe Corridor, on Tuesday, in Abuja, General Alli made it clear that the Nigerian Army has strict recruitment procedures rules, which automatically disqualify anyone with a criminal record or criminal background.
“Once you have any criminal record, you cannot join the military or any security agency,” he said.
He clarified that Operation Safe Corridor is not a physical camp or military recruitment drive; adding that it is an idea designed to manage surrendered and repentant insurgents.
Recall that Operation Safe Corridor was insugrated between 2015 and 2016 at the height of insurgency in the North East.
The programme seeks to address the large number of fighters who voluntarily surrendered or escaped during heightened military offensives.
Many of these individuals were forced against their will, to participate in terrorists’ activities, especially after their communities came under attacks.
General Alli further explained that a multi-agency screening process involving the Ministry of Justice and other government and international agencies usually classify repentant terrorists into three categories, namely:
Low-risk: Forced or coerced participants with no prosecutable offences; Medium-risk: Individuals with some involvement in terrorist activities, and High-risk: hardened fighters and commanders.
“Only the low-risk group can be admitted into Operation Safe Corridor for rehabilitation; these are individuals the justice system has determined have no case to answer.
“Participants receive de-radicalisation, trauma counselling, and vocational training to prepare them for civilian life. Many arrive suffering from psychological trauma and drug dependency.
“Skills training such as tailoring, carpentry, and farming helps ensure they can contribute positively to the society.
He stressed that Operation Safe Corridor cannot replace criminal justice.
Brig Gen Ali made it clear thy, “Hardcore terrorists captured during operations are prosecuted and, if convicted, imprisoned.
“The programme operates on a dual-track system: criminal justice for offenders and rehabilitation and reintegration for victims.”
“The military’s message is clear: Operation Safe Corridor is about rehabilitation, not recruitment, and its main purpose is to prevent a return to violence.”
