By Helen Udo, Abuja -NIGERIA.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging that it downplayed terrorist activities in South West Nigeria, describing such claims as misleading and mischievous.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating terrorist and criminal networks threatening national security.
In a press statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Michael Onoja, the Armed Forces clarified that it never classified terrorists operating in the South West as ordinary criminals, noting that some reports had misinterpreted its earlier remarks on the region’s security situatio
DHQ said that at no point did it undermine the authority of any elected government official or diminish the seriousness of crimes committed against innocent Nigerians. It maintained that the Armed Forces remain loyal to constitutional governance and democratic institutions across the country.
The statement explained that the clarification provided by the DHQ was intended to offer intelligence-based context on the evolving security dynamics in the South West.
The military said the objective was to prevent misinformation and avoid unnecessary public panic over the security situation.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by terrorists linked to the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction. It noted that these insurgents were fleeing from other regions due to intensified military offensives nationwide.
The Armed Forces further revealed that troops remain actively deployed in affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
The operations, it said, are aimed at tracking down fleeing terrorists and dismantling criminal hideouts.
Reaffirming its resolve, the DHQ assured Nigerians that the military would sustain aggressive operations against terrorists and criminal elements threatening the peace, stability and unity of the nation.
The Armed Forces also urged the public to disregard misleading reports capable of creating fear and confusion.
