The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly stated that the Nigerian military does not have the authority to offer amnesty to bandits or terrorists, contrary to recent media reports suggesting that some insurgents in Katsina State were surrendering in exchange for such deals.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen Markus Kangye, clarified that granting amnesty falls outside the military’s constitutional mandate, and any such decisions are strictly the prerogative of other designated arms of government.
“Amnesty is not what we do. We are to do our job according to our rules of engagement and operational directives. If, from our operations, people are arrested and there’s consideration for amnesty, it’s not the military’s call. It is the responsibility of relevant government agencies to determine that,” Kangye emphasized.
His comments come amid reports that bandit commanders in Katsina were releasing hostages and laying down arms as part of an alleged amnesty deal — a development that has triggered widespread debate across the country.
The military, however, attributed the surrender to the success of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, rather than a negotiated amnesty package.
Military Denies Disregarding Court Order in Okuama Case
Also addressing the media, the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen Tukur Gusau, responded to questions about the ongoing detention of community leaders from Okuama in Delta State, where 17 military personnel were ambushed and killed in March 2024.
Gusau dismissed claims that the military was flouting a court order mandating the release of the detained individuals.
“The DHQ has not received any court injunction in respect of that,” Gusau said. “If we do receive such an order, our legal team will advise us accordingly. But as it stands, we have not been served.”
He further revealed that no formal request had been made by the community or any family members to visit the detained leaders.
“There was no request forwarded to Defence Headquarters on that,” Gusau said. “Maybe such requests are only appearing on the pages of newspapers. If proper procedures are followed, we will respond appropriately.”
Background: Okuama Ambush
On March 14, 2024, four military officers and 13 soldiers were killed in an ambush during a peacekeeping mission in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State. The military launched a swift operation in the aftermath and detained several suspects believed to be linked to the brutal attack — a move that has since become a subject of legal and humanitarian discourse.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting national security, while urging the public to verify claims before drawing conclusions on sensitive matters.
