Military Denies Recruiting Repentant Boko Haram Terrorists for Combat Operations
The Nigerian Army has issued a strong rebuttal against allegations that repentant Boko Haram terrorists are being recruited, armed, and deployed for combat operations. Brigadier-General Yusuf Ali, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), categorically denied these claims, describing them as false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.
Response to Viral Video Allegations
Brigadier-General Ali was responding to a widely circulated video by Danish blogger Jones Raw, which alleged that "repentant and active Boko Haram terrorists are being armed to fight alongside the Nigerian military." He emphasized that the blogger and individuals featured in the video have no association with or access to the OPSC facility, rendering their claims not only inaccurate but deliberately deceptive.
"For clarity, it is important to state that there are several state-led De-radicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) initiatives across the country which operate independently and are not under the control or supervision of the Federal Government of Nigeria or Defence Headquarters," Ali stated. He further clarified that individuals processed through such state-level arrangements are not recognized as participants within the DHQ-led Operation SAFE CORRIDOR framework, a distinction critical in addressing the misinformation being spread.
Operation Safe Corridor's Official Facility
The coordinator highlighted that the facility depicted in the video is not an OPSC DRR Camp. The officially designated OPSC facility responsible for handling Boko Haram participants is located in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State, and operates as a secured and controlled military environment. The location shown in the video is clearly inconsistent with the OPSC facility, based on observable differences in structural design, layout, and operational setting, he added.
Nature of the OPSC Programme
Operation SAFE CORRIDOR remains a strictly non-kinetic, multi-agency programme designed to facilitate the de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of carefully screened and profiled individuals. Upon completion of the programme, participants are formally handed over to relevant state authorities for reintegration and remain within established monitoring frameworks. This programme serves as a critical component of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy by:
- Reducing the pool of fighters
- Encouraging voluntary disengagement
- Supporting long-term national stability
International Partnerships and Transparency
Ali noted that OPSC operates with the engagement and support of reputable international partners, including the European Union, of which Denmark—the country of the blogger—is a member. This continued involvement underscores the programme’s compliance with international standards, transparency, and adherence to global best practices.
"Given the potential of such false narratives to undermine national security efforts and erode public confidence, OPSC considers it necessary to address this matter decisively," he asserted. Accordingly, the originator of the claim, Jones Raw, and any interested credible observers are invited to a formally coordinated and monitored visit to the OPSC DRR Camp in Mallam Sidi, facilitated in conjunction with OPSC’s international partners, where the facts can be independently verified.
OPSC remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and the effective execution of its mandate rooted in non-kinetic efforts towards ensuring national security and sustainable peace.
