The statement was made by Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede during a lecture in Abuja, where he spoke about military strategy, justice, and long-term peace efforts in the North-East.
Oluyede said that many of those involved in terrorism are Nigerians, and argued that the response should not be purely punitive.
Instead, he emphasized rehabilitation and reintegration—suggesting that even those who have committed serious crimes should be given a structured path back into society.
His position challenges a growing public sentiment that calls for harsher punishment for insurgents.
The Defence Chief acknowledged that his view is not universally accepted.
Some Nigerians, he said, believe terrorists should face execution for the lives they have taken.
But he argued that the issue is more complex, and that ending conflict requires more than punishment alone.
In his words, allowing room for repentance and reform may help prevent cycles of violence from continuing indefinitely.
A key part of his argument is the ongoing rehabilitation programme known as Operation Safe Corridor.
The initiative focuses on deradicalisation, training, and reintegration of former insurgents who voluntarily surrender.
Oluyede described it as an important tool in stabilizing the North-East and encouraging fighters to lay down arms instead of remaining in conflict.
The comments have reignited debate around how Nigeria should handle insurgency.
Critics of rehabilitation argue that those responsible for killings should face the harshest punishment possible.
Supporters of the programme, however, say reintegration reduces long-term violence and helps break recruitment cycles.
At the heart of Oluyede’s message is a broader question: should security responses focus on punishment, or on breaking the cycle of extremism?
As discussions continue, the balance between justice, security, and reconciliation remains one of the most sensitive issues in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency strategy.
