Amanze Chinonye
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned remarks attributed to the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, over the rehabilitation of terrorists, describing his reported comparison of insurgents to the Biblical “prodigal son” as offensive and inappropriate.
In a statement issued Friday in Abuja, the rights group said likening members of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province to a figure associated with repentance trivialises the scale and brutality of atrocities committed by the groups.
HURIWA argued that the Biblical parable reflects personal moral failure within a family context, not acts such as mass killings, abductions and bombings, which it said amount to crimes against humanity.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe group maintained that such remarks from the country’s top military officer risk sending the wrong signal at a time Nigerians expect decisive action against insurgency. It described the analogy as “intellectually flawed” and indicative of what it termed a leadership crisis within the armed forces.
According to HURIWA, the comments could be interpreted as suggesting leniency toward perpetrators of terrorism, potentially undermining deterrence and public confidence in the military’s resolve.
It also criticised the use of religious analogies in national security discourse, warning that such references could be insensitive to victims and distort the gravity of the conflict.
The association further linked the remarks to broader concerns about military leadership, citing longstanding allegations of corruption, inadequate welfare for troops and insufficient investment in training and equipment.
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Highlighting the human toll of the insurgency, HURIWA referenced recent attacks in the North-East, including a Maiduguri bombing that claimed the life of a National Youth Service Corps member, Chidiebere Orji from Enugu State.
It said any narrative perceived as excusing or softening the culpability of terrorists is an affront to victims and their families.
HURIWA called on Oluyede to issue an unreserved public apology, particularly to victims of terrorism and members of the Christian community who may find the analogy offensive.
Citing the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the group stressed that terrorism remains a grave offence under Nigerian law, requiring thorough investigation, prosecution and strict punishment.
While acknowledging the place of deradicalisation programmes in counterterrorism strategy, it warned against framing such initiatives in ways that could appear to justify or diminish criminal responsibility.
The group also urged the Federal Government to review the leadership of the armed forces, calling for disciplinary action, including the possible removal of the Chief of Defence Staff, over what it described as comments that undermine confidence in the military’s strategy.
HURIWA said Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts require not only enhanced operational capacity and intelligence coordination but also leadership that communicates with clarity, sensitivity and a firm commitment to justice.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
