The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has said that terrorists who choose to repent should not be killed, stressing that they remain citizens of Nigeria.
He made this known during the Armed Forces inaugural lecture at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Abuja, organised for the newly established Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre.
According to him, while many Nigerians believe terrorists should be eliminated because of the atrocities they have committed, there is still a need to create room for rehabilitation.
“People often ask why we should rehabilitate criminals instead of killing them. That argument may sound reasonable,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with the biblical story of the prodigal son, Oluyede explained that giving people the opportunity to change is essential.
“If there was no chance for the prodigal son to return, would he have come back?” he asked.
He noted that most of those involved in terrorism are Nigerians, and providing a path for repentance could encourage them to abandon violence.
“It is important to give them that window to repent if they are willing, rather than pushing them further into extremism,” he added.
The defence chief also pointed out that the government’s deradicalisation programme, Operation Safe Corridor, is currently being handled by the Defence Headquarters, urging lawmakers to better understand its purpose.
However, his position contrasts with calls from some political leaders who believe terrorists should face stricter punishment.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, had recently criticised the rehabilitation approach, arguing that some repentant terrorists have returned to violent activities.
He maintained that individuals found guilty of serious crimes like terrorism should face the full weight of the law, including the death penalty if convicted.
The debate continues to highlight the divide between those advocating rehabilitation and those pushing for harsher punishment in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
