Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has advocated for the rehabilitation of terrorists, saying they should be given a chance to repent rather than be killed.
Speaking at a military lecture in Abuja, Oluyede compared insurgents to the biblical “prodigal son,” stressing that many are Nigerians who should be allowed a pathway back into society if they willingly renounce violence.
“Even in the Bible, there was room for the prodigal son to return. It is important we give them that opportunity to repent, rather than pushing them to the extreme,” he said.
He defended the military’s deradicalisation programme, noting that initiatives like Operation Safe Corridor aim to encourage voluntary surrender and reintegration.
However, his remarks have triggered strong reactions from Nigerians, with many criticising the stance as insensitive amid ongoing killings and insecurity.
Some social media users argued that prioritising rehabilitation over justice undermines government’s responsibility to protect citizens, while others warned it could embolden violent actors.
The comments come against the backdrop of prolonged insurgency in the North-East, where thousands have been killed and displaced over the years, with calls for tougher security measures continuing to grow.