The Chief of Defence Staff, , has stirred fresh debate over Nigeria’s counter-insurgency strategy after stating that terrorists should be given an opportunity to repent rather than being eliminated.
In a video currently circulating online, the defence chief described insurgents as fellow Nigerians who should not be completely written off, but rather given a pathway to reintegrate into society if they renounce violence.
Addressing widespread concerns about the rehabilitation of insurgents, Oluyede acknowledged that many Nigerians believe such individuals should face outright elimination due to the atrocities committed. However, he urged a more reconciliatory approach.
“So many people have asked the question, why do we need to rehabilitate criminals? They all should be killed because they kill people,” he said.
Drawing a biblical analogy, the CDS referenced the story of the prodigal son, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and second chances.
“But even in the Bible, we heard about the prodigal son. If there was not that window for the man to come back…” he added.
He further stressed that most of the insurgents are Nigerians, noting that providing them with an option to abandon violence could help de-escalate prolonged conflict.
“These are Nigerians mostly, and it’s important for us to give them that window to repent if they want, rather than pushing them to the extreme,” he stated.
The comments come amid heightened security concerns following renewed attacks in the North-East, particularly in , where military formations have recently come under assault by insurgents, with reports indicating casualties among security personnel.
Oluyede’s remarks have since sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some supporting the idea of rehabilitation as a pathway to peace, while others insist on a tougher military response to insurgency.
Security analysts say the debate reflects the broader challenge facing Nigeria balancing justice, national security, and long-term peacebuilding in the fight against terrorism.
