 |
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed what it described as “mischievous and misleading” reports claiming it downplayed terrorist activities in the South West, insisting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to crushing criminal and terrorist networks across the country.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military clarified that it never referred to terrorists operating in the South West as mere criminals, contrary to interpretations circulating in some reports.
According to the DHQ, its earlier clarification on the security situation in the region was intended to provide “intelligence-based context” and prevent misinformation and unnecessary public panic.
The military stressed that it has not undermined the authority of any democratically elected leader nor diminished the severity of violent attacks against innocent citizens.
“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 Defence Headquarters further revealed that the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction, describing them as fleeing terrorists displaced from other parts of the country due to ongoing military offensives.
It noted that troops have sustained high-intensity operations nationwide, forcing several terrorist groups to relocate and seek refuge in new areas.
“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 assured Nigerians that troops remain actively deployed across affected communities in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to track down and neutralise the fleeing terrorists.
The military reiterated its resolve to dismantle all criminal and terrorist networks threatening Nigeria’s peace, stability and unity.
