Amanze Chinonye
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed what it described as “mischievous and misleading” reports alleging that it downplayed the activities of terrorists operating in Nigeria’s South-West region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the military never referred to terrorists as mere criminals, insisting that comments earlier credited to the Defence Headquarters had been misrepresented.
READ ALSO :
Join our WhatsApp ChannelJoint Nigeria-U.S. Operations Kill 175 ISIS Fighters, Neutralise Top ISWAP Commanders – DHQ
According to the DHQ, its earlier clarification was intended solely to provide intelligence-based context on the security situation in the South-West and to prevent misinformation and unnecessary public panic.
“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,” the statement said.
The military stressed that it had not, at any time, sought to undermine any democratically elected official or diminish the seriousness of attacks carried out against citizens by terrorist groups.
The Defence Headquarters specifically linked the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State to members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction, describing them as terrorist elements displaced from other regions due to ongoing military offensives across the country.
“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,” the statement added.
DHQ maintained that troops remain actively deployed in affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to tackle insecurity and prevent further attacks.
The military further reaffirmed its determination to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in dismantling all criminal and terrorist networks threatening the peace, stability and unity of the nation,” Onoja stated.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
