By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters-led Operation SAFE CORRIDOR (OPSC) has pushed back against what it described as a wave of misinformation surrounding Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, particularly claims that repentant Boko Haram members are being armed to fight alongside troops.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Brigadier General Y. Ali, the programme characterised the allegation as false, misleading, and a distortion of its core mandate.
At the heart of the rebuttal is a viral video alleging that former insurgents undergoing rehabilitation are being re-integrated into active combat roles. However, OPSC insists that its framework is strictly non-kinetic, focusing on de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
The programme stressed that participants are carefully screened and profiled, and at no stage are they armed, mobilised, or deployed for military operations.
Providing context, the statement noted that Nigeria operates a multi-layered approach to disengagement and reintegration, with some initiatives being managed at the state level. These, it said, function independently and are not under the control of the Defence Headquarters.
“This distinction is critical to addressing the misinformation currently in circulation,” the statement noted, underscoring the need for clarity in public discourse.
OPSC further clarified that the facility shown in the viral footage is not its designated camp, which is located in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State, and operates under strict military control.
According to the programme, observable differences in structural layout and operational setting clearly indicate that the location in the video is inconsistent with its facility.
The statement also disassociated the programme from a Danish blogger, Jones Raw, and other individuals featured in the video, noting that they have no affiliation with OPSC and have never been granted access to its operations.
Beyond rebutting the claims, the programme highlighted its role within Nigeria’s broader counterterrorism architecture, noting that it contributes to reducing the pool of active fighters while encouraging voluntary disengagement.
It added that participants who complete the programme are formally handed over to state authorities and remain within structured monitoring frameworks to support reintegration.
The programme also pointed to the involvement of international partners, including the European Union, as evidence of its compliance with global best practices and transparency standards.
Against the backdrop of growing concerns about disinformation, OPSC warned that such narratives could erode public confidence and undermine national security efforts.
In a move aimed at reinforcing transparency, the programme extended an invitation to the originator of the claim and other credible observers to undertake a guided visit to its facility in Mallam Sidi for independent verification.
OPSC reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and non-kinetic strategies as essential components of sustainable peace and long-term national stability.
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