The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has stated that terrorists who genuinely surrender and show willingness to reform should not be executed, emphasizing that they remain citizens of Nigeria.
He made this known during an inaugural lecture held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Abuja for the newly established Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre. Addressing concerns about the government’s deradicalisation programme, Operation Safe Corridor, Oluyede acknowledged that many Nigerians question why individuals involved in violent crimes should be rehabilitated instead of punished.
According to him, while calls for harsher punishment may seem justified, there is value in giving individuals the opportunity to change. Drawing a parallel with the biblical story of the prodigal son, he explained that people should be allowed a chance to return and reform rather than being pushed further into violence.
He stressed that most of the individuals involved are Nigerians and should be given the option to abandon terrorism willingly. He also noted the need for better understanding of the programme among lawmakers, as the Defence Headquarters currently oversees its implementation.
Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has expressed strong opposition to the rehabilitation approach. During a Senate debate on a proposed amendment to the Terrorism Act, he argued that individuals involved in serious crimes such as terrorism and kidnapping should face the death penalty if found guilty.
Oshiomhole maintained that past efforts at deradicalisation have not been fully effective, claiming that some individuals returned to criminal activities after undergoing rehabilitation. He insisted that justice must be served strictly, adding that those who commit grave offences should face the full consequences under the law.
The debate continues to spark mixed reactions, with opinions divided on whether rehabilitation or capital punishment is the best approach to tackling terrorism.
