Breaking: DHQ Issues Clarification On CDS Comments About Alleged Terrorist Collaboration In Borno And Yobe Communities

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that comments made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, regarding the counterterrorism efforts in Borno and Yobe States were misrepresented.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military clarified that reports circulating in the media wrongly suggested that the CDS accused residents of Borno and Yobe of being complicit in terrorism.

Uba explained that General Oluyede did not at any point indict or generalise that people of the two North-East states were supporting terrorist activities. Instead, he emphasised the need for community cooperation, vigilance, and shared responsibility in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

The DHQ noted that the CDS’s call for communities to “take ownership” of the fight against terrorism aligns with global counterinsurgency strategies, which stress that sustainable security can only be achieved through collaboration between security agencies and local residents.

According to the statement, the CDS said: “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 support security agencies with credible and timely information.”

The DHQ further clarified that the CDS was referring to isolated cases where criminal elements and collaborators exploit community networks to support terrorist activities, not issuing a blanket accusation against residents of the states.

It stressed that his comments were meant to encourage vigilance and stronger community support for security operations. The statement added: “Our people must resolve that this has to come to an end. Together, we shall overcome the enemies of our nation.”

The Defence Headquarters also reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defending the country’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens.

It added that ongoing military operations in the North-East and other regions continue to record significant progress.

Finally, the military high command urged journalists and content creators to maintain professionalism, verify information before publication, and avoid sensational reporting that could heighten tensions or undermine public trust.

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.