DHQ Clarifies CDS Remarks, Denies Claims of Blaming Borno, Yobe Residents for Terrorism
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted a widely circulated report misrepresenting the remarks of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, on the fight against terrorism in Borno and Yobe States.
In a statement issued on Thursday,March 29 and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the DHQ described the report as misleading and a distortion of the CDS’s position, noting that it had the potential to misinform the public and undermine ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
According to the statement, at no point did the CDS accuse or generalize that residents of Borno and Yobe States are complicit in terrorism, as alleged in the report. Rather, he stressed the importance of community partnership, vigilance, and shared responsibility in addressing security challenges.
Quoting the CDS, the DHQ stated: “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 explained that the CDS’s call for citizens to “take ownership” of the counterterrorism effort aligns with globally accepted counterinsurgency strategies, which emphasize collaboration between security forces and local communities as essential for lasting peace.
It further clarified that the CDS referenced specific instances where criminal elements exploited community structures to support terrorist activities. In one example, wounded terrorists involved in an attack on troops were discovered within a community, suggesting possible local collaboration. The observation, the DHQ said, was not a blanket accusation but a call for increased vigilance.
Reiterating his stance, the CDS was quoted as saying: “Our people must resolve that this has to come to an end.”
The DHQ reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to their constitutional mandate of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting law-abiding citizens. It added that significant progress continues to be made in ongoing operations, particularly in the North-East.
The military also urged media organisations and content creators to uphold professionalism by verifying facts and avoiding sensational or misleading reports that could erode public trust or create unnecessary tension.
While appreciating the resilience and cooperation of citizens, especially in Borno and Yobe States, the DHQ commended journalists for their role in supporting national security efforts.
The statement concluded with a call for unity, emphasizing that collective action remains key to defeating terrorism in Nigeria.
