The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly refuted what it terms mischievous and misleading reports suggesting that it minimized the activities of terrorists and criminal elements operating in the South West region of Nigeria.
DHQ Clarifies Stance on Terrorist Activities
In a statement released on Thursday, the DHQ emphasized that it never undermined the authority of any democratically elected leader or downplayed the severity of crimes committed against innocent citizens by terrorist groups. The military high command reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains steadfast in supporting constitutional governance, protecting democratic institutions, and collaborating with all levels of government to ensure national security.
The statement explained that the earlier clarification issued by the Defence Headquarters was intended to provide an intelligence-based context regarding the security situation in the South West. This was done to prevent misinformation that could cause unnecessary panic among residents.
Kidnapping Incident Linked to Displaced JAS Terrorists
The DHQ clarified that the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by terrorists affiliated with the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) group. These terrorists were displaced from other parts of the country following intensified military operations.
“It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters at any point referred to violent terrorists as mere criminals,” the statement noted. The military added that troops remain actively deployed across affected areas, working in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to track and neutralize fleeing terrorist elements.
Commitment to Dismantling Terrorist Networks
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to dismantling criminal and terrorist networks that threaten the peace, stability, and unity of the country. The statement was signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja.
