By; MUHAMMAD MUSTAPHA SHUAIBU In 2019, Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu (Rtd), then the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Divisio
By; MUHAMMAD MUSTAPHA SHUAIBU
In 2019, Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu (Rtd), then the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, made a remark during an engagement with journalists that became widely debated across Nigeria.
The statement, which was intended to encourage insurgents to surrender and embrace rehabilitation, was unfortunately taken out of context by many.
In his words, he stated: “An ex‑Boko Haram having laid his arms and turned away from his negativity stands to be a president of this country; he stands to aspire to any position in this country.”
(Daily Post, 2019)
Context of the Statement
The comment was made as part of the Army’s Operation Lafiya Dole efforts to encourage Boko Haram fighters to surrender voluntarily, reintegrate into society, and embrace peace. Major General Biu emphasized that:
1. Repentance and rehabilitation open the doors to a new life for ex‑fighters.
2. A reformed citizen, regardless of their past, should have the legal and moral opportunity to aspire to meaningful contributions in the nation.
3. The goal was peace-building, not political endorsement.
Why the Statement Was Misinterpreted
The phrase about a repentant insurgent being able to become “President” sparked outrage among some Nigerians, who viewed it as:
Insensitive to victims of insurgency and their families.
An endorsement of terrorism in political spaces.
However, the real message was about second chances and the possibility of total reintegration as a peace‑building strategy.
As clarified in subsequent reports, the statement was part of a psychological operations approach — using hope and opportunity to lure insurgents away from violence (Naija News, 2021).
Clarifying Major General Biu’s Position
1. He does not endorse terrorism or the political advancement of unrepentant insurgents. After all, the conditions and requirements for any elective office are well enshrined in our constitution for any aspirant to meet
2. Gen Bulama Biu is one of the most focused, unrelenting, and decisive field commanders that degraded the rampaging Boko Haram in his period of service in the theatre of operation
4. The focus was on rehabilitation under the government’s Operation Safe Corridor initiative.
5. Peace and reconciliation remain critical to ending the cycle of violence in the Northeast.
By advocating for surrender and reintegration, Major General Biu aligned with global best practices in post‑conflict resolution, which prioritize:
Amnesty and rehabilitation for repentant fighters
Reducing active combatants through psychological engagement
Strengthening community recovery and national unity
Conclusion
The viral interpretation of Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu’s 2019 remark stripped it of context and intent. His life of military service, sacrifice, and commitment to peace stands as evidence that his words were never meant to glorify terrorism but to promote reconciliation and stability in Nigeria. Gen Biu evident decisive kinetic operation
and commitment to ending Boko Haram madness are well acclaimed both within the military circle and the civil populace. A gallant officer that led troops in the frontlines at all times.
In the end, the battlefield of insurgency is not won by weapons alone — it is won by breaking the cycle of violence, restoring trust, and giving former enemies a reason to choose peace over war.A position Gen Biu irrevocably maintained and should be understood by true patrotic Nigerians
Muhammad Mustapha Shuaibu sent in this piece
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