The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a clarification regarding what it described as a misleading publication circulating in the media. The statement aimed to correct misrepresentations of its earlier comments on the classification of terrorist and criminal elements operating in Nigeria's South West region.
DHQ Denies Undermining Elected Leaders
The military authorities stressed that at no time did the Defence Headquarters undermine any democratically elected leader or attempt to downplay the seriousness of violent crimes committed against civilians. The clarification was intended to provide intelligence-based context on the evolving security situation to prevent misinformation and unnecessary public panic.
Oyo School Abduction Linked to JAS Terrorist Group
The Defence Headquarters further confirmed that the recent abduction incident in Oyo State was carried out by terrorists belonging to the JAS Group. According to the DHQ, this group had been displaced from other parts of the country following sustained military operations. Ongoing intelligence and field operations suggest the group has attempted to regroup and extend its activities into parts of the South West.
Military Reaffirms Commitment to National Security
Reiterating its position, the military said it remains fully committed to supporting constitutional governance and working with other security agencies to protect citizens and safeguard democratic institutions. The DHQ also dismissed suggestions that it had referred to violent terrorist groups merely as criminals, insisting its classification remains based on intelligence assessments.
The Defence Headquarters issued its clarification as follows:
“For clarity, at no time did the Defence Headquarters undermine the authority of any democratically elected leader or sought to diminish the gravity of the heinous crime committed against innocent citizens by terrorist elements. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to supporting constitutional governance, protecting democratic institutions and working collaboratively with all levels of government to safeguard the nation.”
It further noted that “the clarification issued by the Defence Headquarters was solely to provide an intelligence-based context regarding the security in the South West, in order to prevent misinformation and public panic. The recent incidence of kidnap in Oyo State was clearly perpetrated by terrorists of the JAS Group that have been dislodged from other parts of the country due to high intensity operations being conducted all over.”
“It is therefore inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters, at any point, referred to vicious and violent terrorists as criminals. Troops remain actively deployed across the affected areas in coordination with other security agencies and local stakeholders. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in dismantling all criminal and terrorist networks threatening the peace, stability and unity of the nation.”
Background on JAS Group and Security Operations
The JAS group, an offshoot of the larger Boko Haram insurgency, has been responsible for numerous attacks and abductions across northern Nigeria. However, recent military operations have significantly degraded their capabilities, forcing remnants to seek refuge in other regions. The DHQ's confirmation highlights the group's attempt to establish a foothold in the South West, posing new security challenges.
In a related development, the Defence Headquarters previously confirmed that Nigerian troops, working alongside United States forces, successfully carried out a coordinated overnight counterterrorism operation that led to the elimination of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki. The announcement was made by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who reiterated that Nigeria will continue to intensify efforts against extremist groups.
