The Defence Headquarters says that more than 60 percent of terrorist fighters in Nigeria are not driven by extremist ideology but by fear, coercion and financial incentives. It explained that many of those taking part in insurgent activities were forced to join or lured with promises of money and protection.
A statement from DHQ noted that only a minority of the fighters are hardcore ideologues or commanders who are deeply committed to the violent cause. The rest are described as followers who became involved due to threats to their lives, lack of options or economic hardship in their communities.
According to the military, some recruits were abducted as teenagers, pressured through family connections or told their relatives would be harmed if they refused to fight. Others were attracted by the promise of regular income, food or a sense of belonging in areas where government presence and job opportunities are weak.
DHQ said this reality is one of the reasons behind the federal government’s deradicalisation and rehabilitation programmes for repentant fighters. The aim is to separate those who can be reformed from core leaders who use ideology and violence to maintain control.
The military added that understanding the true motives of most fighters is essential for designing effective non kinetic strategies such as community engagement, economic support and psychological counselling. It argued that these approaches, combined with ongoing combat operations, can reduce recruitment and weaken terrorist groups over time.
Nigerians were urged to avoid blanket stigmatisation of all former fighters and to support programmes that encourage genuine surrender and reintegration, while still insisting on justice for those involved in grave atrocities. DHQ maintained that security forces will continue to pursue active terrorists but also remain open to those who renounce violence and seek a way back to normal life.
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Christian killings: Nigeria hiring lobbyists to mask insecurity — Ted Cruz
Cruz said Nigeria’s engagement of a Washington-based lobbying firm was a public relations move meant to soften criticism from the United States rather than confront the insecurity crisis at home. He said Nigerian officials were trying to influence opinion in Washington while failing to address allegations of attacks on Christians and other vulnerable groups. The senator has been at the forefront of calls for sanctions and accountability over alleged religious persecution in Nigeria. His proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 seeks to hold officials responsible for what he describes as the enabling of mass violence against Christians. Reports also said Nigeria signed a $9 million lobbying contract with DCI Group, a US public affairs firm, after being designated a country of particular concern by President Donald Trump. The controversy adds to growing diplomatic tension between Abuja and some […]
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US lawmaker seeks Nnamdi Kanu’s release
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Court sentences three to life imprisonment over Orire school kidnapping
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Three Ansaru terrorists linked to Oriire abductions get life jail
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