By Harriet Tornguvan
The Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) has dismissed as false and misleading allegations circulating in a viral video that repentant and active Boko Haram members are being armed to fight alongside the Nigerian military.
In a statement issued by the Coordinator of the programme, Brigadier General Y. Ali, the initiative described the claims as entirely unfounded and aimed at misinforming the public.
Ali clarified that several de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration (DRR) initiatives exist at the state level across the country, operating independently of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the Federal Government. He noted that individuals processed through such state-led arrangements are not part of the OPSC framework, stressing that this distinction is critical to addressing the misinformation.
The coordinator further stated that the facility shown in the viral video is not an OPSC camp. According to him, the officially designated DRR facility under the programme is located in Mallam Sidi and operates as a secured military environment, adding that the location depicted in the footage differs significantly in structure and operational setting.
He also refuted claims linking a Danish blogger, Jones Raw, and individuals featured in the video to the programme, stating that they have neither been granted access to nor have any affiliation with OPSC.
Reiterating the mandate of the initiative, Ali explained that Operation Safe Corridor is a strictly non-kinetic, multi-agency programme focused on de-radicalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration of carefully screened individuals. He emphasised that participants are never armed, mobilised or deployed for combat operations.
“Upon completion, beneficiaries are handed over to relevant state authorities for reintegration and remain within established monitoring frameworks,” he said, adding that the programme plays a vital role in reducing the pool of insurgents and promoting long-term national stability.
The statement also highlighted the involvement of international partners, including the European Union, noting that their participation underscores the programme’s compliance with global best practices and transparency standards.
OPSC warned that the spread of false narratives could undermine national security efforts and erode public trust. It, however, extended an invitation to the originator of the claim and other credible observers to undertake a guided visit to its facility in Mallam Sidi, in collaboration with its international partners, to independently verify its operations.
The programme reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism and the effective implementation of non-kinetic strategies aimed at ensuring national security and sustainable peace.
