A heated national debate has erupted after the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, stated that terrorists operating in Nigeria should not be executed but instead given a chance to repent and reintegrate into society. Alot of people won’t agree with this, Watch Video Now.
According to his remarks at a military lecture in Abuja, he emphasized that many insurgents are Nigerians who could abandon violence if offered rehabilitation through programmes like Operation Safe Corridor.
Oluyede explained that while public anger and calls for harsher punishment are understandable, the military believes rehabilitation offers a more sustainable path to lasting peace.
He compared the idea to the concept of redemption, arguing that even those involved in insurgency can change if given the right support and opportunity.
According to him, denying such individuals a chance at reform could push them further into radicalization and prolong insecurity in affected regions.
The Defence Chief also urged lawmakers and security stakeholders to support the deradicalisation programme, stressing that it plays a key role in Nigeria’s broader counter-terrorism strategy.
However, his comments have sparked mixed reactions across the country, with many Nigerians divided between justice, security, and rehabilitation.
As insecurity remains a major concern in parts of the North-East, the debate over how to handle captured insurgents is once again at the center of national attention.
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— Reported by Newsvista Global Desk
