The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as deceptive a story circulating on social media, notably a Fb publish it stated distorted remarks made by the Chief of Defence Employees, Basic Olufemi Oluyede, on Operation Secure Hall.
In response to the DHQ, the publish used selective framing by amplifying sure phrases whereas ignoring the broader context, thereby creating what it described as a misunderstanding that the Armed Forces of Nigeria prioritise leniency for terrorists over justice for victims.
The army stated such a portrayal is inaccurate and dangerous to ongoing nationwide safety efforts.
In an announcement, the Director of Defence Data, Main Basic Samaila Uba, clarified that Operation Secure Hall just isn’t an amnesty programme, however a structured initiative targeted on the deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of surrendered and screened low-risk former combatants.
He defined that the programme kinds a part of a broader counter-insurgency technique that mixes each kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
In response to the DHQ, tons of of individuals have handed via the programme since its inception, offering helpful intelligence and contributing to efforts to weaken rebel networks.
The army additional said that the CDS made the remarks throughout an expert army doctrine lecture, the place he emphasised the significance of a multi-dimensional method to battle decision.
It stated his feedback mirrored international greatest practices by which rehabilitation efforts complement, relatively than substitute, army operations.
The DHQ reaffirmed that the Armed Forces stay dedicated to neutralising energetic terrorists and defending law-abiding residents, stressing that Operation Secure Hall applies solely to those that have voluntarily surrendered and met strict profiling circumstances.
It additionally highlighted deradicalisation as an vital instrument in fashionable warfare for decreasing recruitment and breaking cycles of violence, noting that this context was ignored within the viral publish.
The Defence Headquarters urged the general public to ignore sensational and out-of-context interpretations of official statements and to depend on verified channels for correct info. It maintained that the Armed Forces of Nigeria stay guided by regulation, army doctrine, and dedication to nationwide safety.
Linus Aleke
Times Nigeria