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Defence Headquarters DHQ
DHQ Denies Downplaying Terror Threat in South-West
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as “mischievous and misleading” reports alleging that it downplayed terrorist activities in the South-West by referring to terrorists as mere criminals.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said the military never undermined the authority of elected leaders or trivialised crimes committed against citizens by terrorist elements operating in the region.
According to the statement, the clarification earlier issued by the Defence Headquarters was intended solely to provide intelligence-based context on the security situation in the South-West and prevent misinformation and public panic.
The military explained that the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by suspected terrorists belonging to the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction, who were displaced from other parts of the country following sustained military offensives.
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“The recent incidence of kidnap in Oyo State was clearly perpetrated by terrorists of the JAS Group that have been dislodged from other parts of the country due to high intensity operations being conducted all over,” the statement said.
The Defence Headquarters stressed that it was inaccurate to suggest that the military referred to “vicious and violent terrorists” as ordinary criminals.
It reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to supporting constitutional governance, protecting democratic institutions, and collaborating with all levels of government to address security threats across the country.
The military further disclosed that troops remained actively deployed in affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to sustain pressure on fleeing terrorist groups and criminal networks.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in dismantling all criminal and terrorist networks threatening the peace, stability and unity of the nation,” the statement added.
By PRNigeria
Source: PrNigeria | Read the Full Story…
