The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, did not accuse the people of Borno and Yobe states of aiding terrorists during his recent visit to Borno State, as reported by a section of the media, describing the report as misleading and false.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, who said the report falsely portrayed the CDS as accusing the people of Borno and Yobe of complicity in terrorism.
Gen. Uba clarified that at no point did General Oluyede indict or generalise that residents of the two North-East states were supporting terrorists.
He pointed out that the CDS only stressed the importance of community partnership, vigilance, and collective responsibility in tackling the evolving security challenges confronting the country.
The statement quoted the CDS 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.”
It added that the CDS’ call for residents to “take ownership” of the counterterrorism fight aligns with globally accepted counterinsurgency practices, which recognise that lasting security can only be achieved through close collaboration between security forces and local communities.
The statement further clarified that the CDS had referred to specific cases where criminal elements and collaborators exploited community structures to aid terrorist activities.
It urged media organisations and content creators to exercise professionalism, verify facts, and avoid sensationalism and wrong framing that could create unnecessary tension or erode public trust.
The statement read: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a misleading and circulated report by a certain online medium which grossly misrepresented the recent remarks of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, regarding the fight against terrorism in Borno and Yobe states.
“Ordinarily, the Defence Headquarters would not dignify such distortions with a response. However, in view of the potential to misinform the public and undermine ongoing counterterrorism efforts, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
“At no time did the CDS indict or generalise that the good people of Borno and Yobe States are complicit in terrorism, as falsely portrayed. Rather, the CDS emphasised the critical role of community partnership, vigilance, and collective responsibility in addressing the evolving security challenges facing the nation. The CDS stated that “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.”
“The CDS’ call for residents to “take ownership” of the fight against terrorism is consistent with globally accepted counterinsurgency practices, which recognise that sustainable security can only be achieved through close collaboration between security forces and local communities.
“The CDS specifically referred to instances where criminal elements and collaborators exploit community structures to aid terrorist activities. He gave an example of a particular town where some wounded terrorists who earlier took part in attacks against our troops were found within the community, which implied that some residents were complicit. He therefore reiterated that to end terrorism, all hands must be on deck. “Our people must resolve that this has to come to an end,” he noted. This was clearly not a blanket accusation, but a factual observation aimed at encouraging communities to remain vigilant and supportive of security agencies.
“It is important to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to their constitutional responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of the nation and protecting all law-abiding citizens. The military continues to record significant successes in ongoing operations across the North East and other theatres.
“DHQ urges media organisations and content creators to exercise professionalism, verify facts, and avoid sensationalism and wrong framing that could create unnecessary tension or erode public trust.
“We deeply appreciate the resilience, cooperation, and sacrifices of the people of Borno, Yobe, and indeed all Nigerians in the collective fight against terrorism. It is important to also appreciate the great role being played by journalists in the same drive. Together we shall overcome the enemies of our nation.”