By Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has dismissed the idea of granting amnesty to “repentant terrorists,” insisting that decisive military action remains the most effective way to end insurgency in the country.
Speaking at the Nigerian Armed Forces’ inaugural lecture at the Joint Doctrine Centre in Abuja, Oluyede said efforts based on appeasement or goodwill gestures have failed to produce lasting results in the fight against terrorism. According to him, insurgent groups often take advantage of peace initiatives for strategic gains rather than genuine surrender.
“No amount of goodwill gesture or appeasement will end terrorism in Nigeria. It can never be a comprehensive solution compared to decisive kinetic action. They will simply exploit these initiatives whenever it benefits them. Terrorists never surrender out of remorse,” he added.
Oluyede’s comments highlight a firm shift towards a hardline military approach as Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent security challenges, particularly in the North-East. The event was attended by senior military officers, defence stakeholders, and civilians, underscoring ongoing efforts to refine the country’s counterterrorism strategy.
