The Nigerian military has dismissed viral claims that repentant and active Boko Haram members are being armed to fight alongside troops, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Coordinator of the programme, Yusuf Ali, said the claims circulating in a viral video lack any factual basis.
According to him, Operation Safe Corridor is a non-kinetic, multi-agency initiative focused strictly on de-radicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former insurgents.
“The claim is false, misleading, and entirely unfounded. At no point are participants armed, mobilised, or deployed for combat operations,” Ali stated.
He clarified that while some de-radicalisation initiatives exist at the state level, they operate independently and are not part of the Federal Government-backed Safe Corridor programme.
Ali also addressed the viral video, stating that the facility shown is not the official camp, which is located in Mallam Sidi and operates under strict military control.
“The location shown in the video is clearly inconsistent with the OPSC facility,” he said.
He added that individuals featured in the video, including a foreign blogger, have no affiliation with the programme and were never granted access.
The military explained that all participants undergo a structured screening process and, upon completion, are handed over to state authorities for reintegration under monitored frameworks.
Ali noted that the initiative has contributed to reducing the number of active insurgents and supporting long-term national security.
He also highlighted support from international partners, including the European Union, describing it as evidence of the programme’s transparency and alignment with global best practices.
“We remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and the effective execution of our mandate,” he added.
The military warned that misinformation could undermine security efforts and public trust, while inviting credible observers to independently verify activities at the camp.
