Defence Headquarters Denies Claims of CDS Accusing Borno, Yobe Residents of Terrorism Complicity
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a strong denial regarding allegations that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, accused the residents of Borno and Yobe States of being complicit in terrorism activities in the North-East region. This clarification comes in response to what the military described as a misrepresentation of the CDS's remarks during his recent visit on Wednesday.
Misrepresentation of Remarks Clarified
In a statement released by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, it was emphasized that at no point did General Oluyede indict or generalize that the people of Borno and Yobe states are involved in terrorism. Uba highlighted that the CDS's comments were taken out of context and falsely portrayed, leading to widespread misunderstanding.
Instead, the CDS focused on the critical importance of community partnership, vigilance, and collective responsibility in addressing the nation's evolving security challenges. According to Uba, General Oluyede stressed that the fight against terrorism is not solely the military's duty but a shared obligation requiring active participation from all citizens.
Call for Community Support and Vigilance
The DDI quoted General Oluyede as saying, "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 actively support security agencies with credible and timely information." This statement underscores the need for residents to take ownership of security efforts, aligning with globally accepted counter-insurgency practices that promote collaboration between security forces and local communities.
General Oluyede provided specific examples to illustrate his point, noting instances where criminal elements exploit community structures to aid terrorist activities. He cited a case in a particular town where wounded terrorists, who had previously attacked troops, were found within the community, implying some level of local complicity. However, Uba clarified that this was not a blanket accusation but a factual observation aimed at encouraging vigilance and support for security agencies.
Reiteration of Commitment to National Security
In his remarks, General Oluyede reiterated that ending terrorism requires a united effort, stating, "Our people must resolve that this has to come to an end." The Defence Headquarters affirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to their constitutional responsibilities, including defending the nation's territorial integrity and protecting law-abiding citizens.
This clarification aims to correct the record and foster a better understanding of the military's stance on community involvement in combating terrorism, without casting unwarranted blame on the residents of Borno and Yobe states.
