By Harriet Tornguvan
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed what it described as mischievous and misleading reports alleging that it downplayed terrorist activities in the South West, insisting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remains committed to crushing terrorist and criminal networks across the country.
In a statement issued by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the DHQ clarified that comments earlier made regarding insecurity in the South West had been misrepresented and taken out of context.
According to the military high command, it never sought to undermine the authority of democratically elected leaders or minimise the severity of violent attacks carried out against innocent Nigerians.
The Defence Headquarters stressed that its clarification on the security situation in the South-West was intended solely to provide intelligence-based information and prevent misinformation capable of causing unnecessary public panic.
The military explained that the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by terrorists linked to the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) group, who had been displaced from other parts of the country due to sustained military offensives.
“It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters at any point referred to vicious and violent terrorists as criminals,” the statement said.
The DHQ maintained that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to constitutional governance, the protection of democratic institutions and collaboration with federal, state and local authorities to strengthen national security.
It further disclosed that troops remain actively deployed in affected areas, working closely with other security agencies and local stakeholders to track and neutralise fleeing terrorists.
The military assured Nigerians that offensive operations against terrorist groups and criminal elements would be sustained until lasting peace and stability are restored.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in dismantling all criminal and terrorist networks threatening the peace, stability and unity of the nation,” the statement added.
