The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted a report by an online media outlet which it described as misleading and a gross misrepresentation of remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, on counterterrorism efforts in Borno and Yobe States.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, in Abuja said the CDS did not at any time accuse residents of Borno and Yobe of being complicit in terrorism, contrary to claims in the report.
According to the statement, the CDS only emphasized the importance of community partnership, vigilance, and collective responsibility in tackling the country’s security challenges. He reiterated that the fight against terrorism requires the active involvement of citizens alongside the military.
“The fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of the military alone. It is a collective duty. The people of Borno and Yobe must reject terrorism in all its forms and actively support security agencies with credible and timely information,” the CDS was quoted as saying.
The DHQ explained that the CDS’ call for residents to “take ownership” of the fight aligns with globally accepted counterinsurgency strategies, which stress collaboration between security forces and local communities as key to achieving lasting security.
Clarifying further, the statement noted that the CDS referenced specific incidents where criminal elements exploited community structures to aid terrorist activities. In one instance, wounded terrorists involved in attacks on troops were discovered within a community, suggesting possible local collaboration. However, the DHQ stressed that this was not a general accusation but a factual observation aimed at encouraging vigilance.
The military authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens, noting that significant progress continues to be made in ongoing operations, particularly in the North-East.
The DHQ also urged media organizations and content creators to uphold professionalism by verifying facts and avoiding sensational reporting that could mislead the public or undermine national security efforts.
It expressed appreciation to the people of Borno, Yobe, and Nigerians at large for their resilience and cooperation, while also acknowledging the role of journalists in supporting the fight against terrorism.
The statement concluded with a call for unity, emphasizing that collective efforts remain crucial in overcoming security challenges in the country.
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