By David Lawani, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday dismissed a media report, which it said misrepresented the comments of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, on the fight against terrorism in Borno and Yobe states.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the report falsely suggested that the CDS accused residents of the North-East states of complicity in terrorist activities.
Uba stressed that the CDS neither indicted nor generalised that communities in Borno and Yobe were supporting insurgents.
“The fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of the military alone. It is a collective duty,” the statement quoted Oluyede as saying.
He added that the CDS had only emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies to address evolving threats.
“The people of Borno and Yobe must reject terrorism in all its forms and actively support security agencies with credible and timely information,” he said.
The DHQ explained that the CDS’s remarks were in line with global counterinsurgency strategies, which prioritise cooperation between the military and local communities as a pathway to lasting peace.
Providing context, the military said Oluyede referenced specific incidents where criminal elements exploited community structures to aid terrorist operations.
“Our people must resolve that this has to come to an end,” the CDS stated, urging residents to take ownership of the fight against insecurity.
Uba clarified that such references were not blanket accusations but targeted observations intended to encourage vigilance and civic responsibility.
Reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment, the DHQ said the military remains focused on defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting law-abiding citizens, while recording notable successes in ongoing operations.
The military also cautioned media organisations against sensational reporting, urging journalists to verify facts to avoid undermining public trust.
“Together, we shall overcome the enemies,” the statement added.
