The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that providing amnesty to surrendered bandits and terrorists does not fall within the responsibilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, updated the public on military activities conducted from April to June 2025.
Reports have surfaced regarding bandit leaders surrendering and releasing hostages in exchange for amnesty in Katsina State. However, the military command made it clear that while these actions demonstrate the effectiveness of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, the military is not authorised to grant amnesty.
“Amnesty is not part of our duties. We operate according to our rules of engagement and operational directives. If individuals are arrested during operations and amnesty is considered, it is not the military that decides that.
“Their cases will be reviewed, and the relevant government agencies will determine any amnesty based on merit. This is not within our operational scope,” General Kangye stated.
In response to inquiries about the military’s refusal to release detained leaders of the Okuoma community despite a court order, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, explained that the military has not received the mentioned court order, despite reports of its existence.
On March 14, four officers and 13 soldiers lost their lives in an ambush in Okuama, Delta State, while on a peace mission, prompting significant public outrage and subsequent military action to apprehend those responsible.
“The DHQ has not received any court injunction regarding that matter,” Gusau confirmed.
“If we do receive it, our legal team will advise us on the next steps. As of now, we have not been served any such court injunction.”
When questioned about why community members could not visit the detained leaders, Gusau mentioned that no request had been made to the military.
“There has been no request submitted to the Defence Headquarters on this issue,” he clarified.
“Perhaps the request exists only in media reports. There is a procedure for such matters, and if they follow it, we will respond appropriately,” he added.
