Defence Headquarters Denounces ‘Mischievous’ Reports, Intensifies Crackdown On Terrorists
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As security agencies intensify operations against armed groups across Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters has moved to counter what it described as misleading narratives capable of creating public confusion and panic over the country’s security situation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Defence Headquarters clarified reports alleging that it downplayed terrorist activities in the South-West by referring to terrorists as mere criminals.
The military stressed that at no time did it undermine the seriousness of attacks against innocent Nigerians or diminish the authority of democratically elected leaders.
According to the military high command, the clarification earlier provided was strictly intelligence-based and aimed at giving proper context to the security realities in the South-West region, especially following recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo State.
The Defence Headquarters explained that the kidnappings were carried out by members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) group, terrorists who had reportedly been displaced from other regions due to sustained military offensives.
It further described as “inaccurate and misleading” suggestions that the Armed Forces referred to violent terrorists as ordinary criminals, reaffirming that troops remain actively deployed in affected areas alongside other security agencies and local stakeholders.
The statement reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to dismantling terrorist and criminal networks threatening the country’s peace, stability and unity.
The statement was signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations.
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