The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) clarified Thursday that granting amnesty to surrendered terrorists and bandits falls outside the military’s mandate, a decision reserved for other government agencies. Maj.-Gen Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, made this statement during a press briefing in Abuja.
Kangye emphasized that the military adheres to its rules of engagement and operational directives. “Amnesty is not what we do,” he said, noting that arrested individuals are handed over to relevant agencies for amnesty decisions based on merit. This follows successful kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including the surrender of 682 terrorists and their families in June.
The DHQ also addressed the detention of Okuama community leaders in Delta State, linked to the March 14 ambush that killed four officers and 13 soldiers. Brig.-Gen Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, stated no court injunction for their release had been received, and no formal visitation requests were made to the DHQ.
Military operations yielded significant results in June, with troops killing key terrorist figures like Amir Fatimah and Yellow Danbokkolo, arresting 1,191 suspects, and rescuing 543 kidnapped victims. In the Niger Delta, Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over ₦3.5 billion, recovering millions of litres of stolen crude oil and destroying 174 illegal refining sites.
Kangye highlighted the arrest of wanted gunrunners and kidnappers, including Buhari Umar and Shittu Muazu Bakassi. The DHQ’s ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to neutralizing threats and supporting government agencies in addressing security challenges across Nigeria.
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