The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially debunked reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, indicted the residents of Borno and Yobe States as being complicit in terrorism.
In a statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military described the circulated reports as a “gross misrepresentation” of the CDS’s recent remarks regarding security operations in the North East.
Clarifying the CDS’s Position
According to the DHQ, General Oluyede did not generalize or accuse the populace of the two states. Instead, he emphasized that sustainable security requires a “collective duty” and strong community partnership.
“The fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of the military alone,” the CDS was quoted as saying. “The people of Borno and Yobe must reject terrorism in all its forms and actively support security agencies with credible and timely information.”
Addressing Specific Instances of Complicity
The DHQ clarified that the CDS’s call for residents to “take ownership” of the security situation is a globally recognized counter-insurgency strategy. The statement noted that the General’s comments were based on specific factual observations where criminal elements exploited community structures.
The General cited a particular instance where wounded terrorists, who had previously attacked troops, were discovered hiding within a community. The DHQ maintained that pointing out such specific cases of local collaboration was intended to encourage vigilance, not to serve as a blanket accusation against the entire region.
Commitment to Professionalism
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens, Major General Uba urged media organizations and content creators to uphold professional standards. He cautioned against “sensationalism and wrong framing” that could erode public trust or create unnecessary tension.
The statement concluded by expressing the military’s appreciation for the resilience of the people in Borno and Yobe, as well as the supportive role played by the media in the ongoing efforts to overcome national security threats.