DHQ Dismisses Misleading Reports, Vows Sustained Offensive Against Terrorists

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Defence Headquarters has dismissed what it described as mischievous and misleading reports suggesting it downplayed terrorist activities in the South West, insisting that troops will continue offensive operations against fleeing insurgents across the country.

In a statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, on Thursday, the military said at no time did it undermine the authority of any democratically elected leader or attempt to downplay the severity of attacks carried out by terrorist groups against innocent citizens.

The Defence Headquarters explained that its earlier clarification was intended to provide intelligence-based context on the security situation in the South West in order to prevent misinformation and public panic.

According to the statement, the recent kidnappingincident in Oyo State was perpetrated by members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction who were dislodged from other parts of the country due to ongoing military offensives.

The military described as inaccurate claims that it referred to violent terrorists as mere criminals, stressing that troops remain actively deployed in affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders.

Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to supporting constitutional governance, protecting democratic institutions and dismantling all terrorist and criminal networks threatening the peace, stability and unity of the country.