DHQ Denies Allegations Of Paying Terrorists Monthly Allowances

DHQ Denies Allegations Of Paying Terrorists Monthly Allowances.
The military operates a DDR framework for repentant ex-combatants after profiling.
El-Rufai’s allegations had earlier been dismissed by Kaduna State and ONSA.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims that the Nigerian military is paying monthly allowances or supplying food to terrorists and bandits under the guise of non-kinetic operations.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the clarification was issued on Tuesday by the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

Onumajuru stressed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria do not endorse financial settlements with criminal groups, describing such an approach as ineffective. Instead, he explained that the military operates a Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) framework designed to help repentant ex-combatants reintegrate into civilian life.

According to him, the DDR process—anchored in Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for the North-East and a similar initiative in Zamfara State for the North-West—admits only individuals who undergo thorough profiling and are found not culpable of terrorism.

“The armed forces of Nigeria do not support the payment of money to criminal groups. However, we run a DDR programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the National Security Adviser. It is for those who genuinely surrender their weapons, show remorse, and are found not to have committed serious crimes,” Onumajuru stated.

He noted that those deemed culpable after profiling face prosecution, while others who were conscripted against their will or found with no direct involvement in terrorism are enrolled into DDR centres to begin rehabilitation.

Onumajuru added that the initiative is a national framework aimed at providing an alternative path for individuals who sincerely wish to abandon criminality.

The clarification comes after former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleged that both the federal and Kaduna State governments were providing financial and food support to terrorists. The Kaduna State government and the Office of the National Security Adviser had earlier denied the allegations.

Speaking further on border security, the defence chief highlighted the importance of community participation, stressing that local cooperation is crucial to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security and reduce cross-border threats.

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