The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports alleging that it downplayed the activities of terrorists and criminal elements operating in the South West, describing the claims as misleading and mischievous.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Thursday, the DHQ said it never undermined the authority of any democratically elected leader nor trivialised crimes committed against innocent citizens by terrorist groups.
The military high command stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to supporting constitutional governance, safeguarding democratic institutions, and working with all levels of government to maintain national security.
According to the statement, the earlier clarification issued by the DHQ was aimed at providing intelligence-based context on the security situation in the South West and preventing misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
The Defence Headquarters explained that the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by terrorists linked to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, also known as JAS, who were displaced from other parts of the country due to intensified military operations.
“It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters at any point referred to violent terrorists as mere criminals,” the statement said.
The military added that troops remain actively deployed across affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to track down and neutralise fleeing terrorist elements.
The DHQ reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to dismantling criminal and terrorist networks threatening the peace, stability, and unity of Nigeria.
The statement was signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja.
