The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has distanced the Nigerian military from reports suggesting that bandits and terrorists surrendering in parts of the country are being granted amnesty by the Armed Forces.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stated clearly that granting amnesty is not part of the military’s responsibility.
“Amnesty is not what we do. Our job is to carry out operations based on rules of engagement and operational directives. If individuals surrender or are arrested, and an amnesty is considered, it is not the military’s decision. That is the responsibility of other relevant government agencies,” Kangye explained.
The clarification follows recent reports of bandit commanders surrendering and releasing hostages in exchange for amnesty in Katsina State.
Kangye, however, noted that while the military welcomes the success of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations leading to such surrenders, the decision to grant amnesty does not rest with the Armed Forces.
On the issue of detained community leaders from Okuama in Delta State, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stated that the military has not received any official court order regarding their release.
It would be recalled that four officers and 13 soldiers were killed in an ambush in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area, in March during a peace mission. Following the attack, security forces stormed the community and arrested several suspects linked to the killings.
Gusau added that no formal request had been made to the military regarding visits to the detained leaders.
“If there is a proper request following the due process, we will respond accordingly,” he said.
