The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims that repentant terrorists are being armed to fight alongside troops under the Operation Safe Corridor initiative.
Officials described the allegation as false and misleading, stressing that the programme remains strictly non-combat in nature.
The military rejected reports suggesting that former Boko Haram fighters are being rearmed and deployed in combat operations.
Authorities insisted that no such policy exists and warned against spreading unverified information that could undermine national security efforts.
The Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Yusuf Ali, addressed the issue in a statement.
He described the claims as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded,” noting that they originated from a viral video shared by a Danish blogger.
Furthermore, he urged those behind the allegations to visit the facility and verify the facts firsthand.
Ali explained that several de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration (DRR) programmes operate across Nigeria.
However, he clarified that not all such initiatives fall under the control of the Federal Government or Defence Headquarters.
According to him, individuals processed through independent state-level programmes are not recognised under the official Safe Corridor framework.
The Army also challenged the authenticity of the video used to support the claims.
Ali stated that the facility shown does not match the official Safe Corridor camp in structure, layout, or operational standards.
He added that the individuals featured in the video, including the blogger, have never been granted access to the military-controlled facility.
As a result, he concluded that the content was deliberately misleading.
The military clarified that Operation Safe Corridor is a structured, multi-agency initiative focused on rehabilitation.
The programme operates from a secured facility in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State.
It targets carefully screened individuals and provides them with counselling, vocational training, and reintegration support.
Ali emphasised that the programme is strictly non-kinetic.
He stated clearly that participants are never armed, mobilised, or deployed for combat operations.
Instead, the initiative aims to reduce extremism by helping former fighters reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in counterterrorism operations.
Officials urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading misinformation.
As security challenges persist, authorities say credible communication remains essential to maintaining public trust and national stability.
