The Defence Headquarters has dismissed a report it says misrepresented comments made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, regarding the fight against terrorism in Borno State and Yobe State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said the report wrongly suggested that the CDS accused residents of the two North-East states of supporting terrorist activities.
Uba clarified that General Oluyede never made such a generalisation, stressing instead the importance of community collaboration in addressing security challenges.
“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 statement quoted the CDS as saying.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the CDS’ call for residents to “take ownership” of the counterterrorism effort aligns with globally recognised strategies that emphasise cooperation between security forces and local communities.
The statement explained that Oluyede had referred to specific instances where criminal elements exploited local structures to aid terrorist operations, including a case where wounded attackers were later discovered within a community after engaging troops.
It stressed that this observation was not a blanket accusation against the people of Borno and Yobe, but a call for vigilance and proactive support for security agencies.
“‘Our people must resolve that this has to come to an end,” the CDS was quoted as saying.
The DHQ reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and safeguarding citizens, noting that ongoing operations in the North-East and other regions continue to yield results.
The military high command also urged media organisations and content creators to maintain professionalism, verify information, and avoid sensational reporting that could heighten tensions or undermine public trust.
While acknowledging the resilience and cooperation of citizens, particularly in conflict-affected regions, the DHQ commended journalists for their role in supporting national security efforts.
“Together, we shall overcome the enemies of our nation,” the statement added.
What you should know
The Nigerian military has repeatedly emphasised community involvement as a key strategy in combating insurgency, especially in the North-East where groups like Boko Haram have operated for years.
Misinterpretation of official statements can create tension between civilians and security agencies, making clarification important.
The DHQ’s response highlights the need for accurate reporting while reinforcing that counterterrorism requires cooperation between the military and local populations for sustainable success.
