Published by Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a robust denial of claims that the military is undermining democratic authorities in the country. The statement comes amidst heightened public discourse following a series of deadly attacks in the South-West region, with critics having raised concerns over the military's classification of the perpetrators.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military high command dismissed what it termed “mischievous and misleading publications” suggesting it had downplayed terrorist activities in the South-West by describing the attackers as ordinary criminals. Addressing the recent abduction in Oyo State, the DHQ clarified, “For clarity, at no time did the Defence Headquarters undermine the authority of any democratically elected leader or seek to diminish the gravity of the heinous crime committed against innocent citizens by terrorist elements.”
The clarification follows a wave of terror in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed men attacked the Community High School at Ahoro-Esinle, abducting pupils, teachers and other residents, and leaving several people dead. The military leadership used the briefing to correct a growing narrative that the Armed Forces have become a threat to democratic institutions. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to supporting constitutional governance, protecting democratic institutions and working collaboratively with all levels of government to safeguard the nation,” General Onoja stated.
The DHQ also took the opportunity to clarify the classification of the perpetrators of the Oyo school attack. According to military intelligence, the operation was not carried out by ordinary bandits but by fleeing terrorists from the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) group, who have been dislodged from their former strongholds in other parts of the country due to sustained high-intensity operations. General Onoja argued that describing these fighters as fleeing terrorists is essential for an accurate threat assessment, as it prevents misinformation and public panic while providing an “intelligence-based context” for current security operations.
Despite this denial, the military has previously faced intense scrutiny over its civil-military relations. In January 2026, the DHQ confirmed it had uncovered a plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, a significant admission after initial denials. The government subsequently began the trial of dozens of officers over allegations of mutiny and conspiracy to overthrow the government, with a General Court Martial inaugurated in April 2026 to try 36 personnel.
The military’s new statement indicates a strategic move to reaffirm its loyalty to the democratic system while intensifying its kinetic operations. Citing the fragile security situation in the South-West, where terrorist cells are suspected of exploiting porous borders, the DHQ assured that troops remain actively deployed across the region. Operations are being conducted in coordination with other security agencies and local stakeholders to dismantle terrorist networks and restore stability.
As the trial of alleged coup plotters continues behind closed doors—with journalists barred from the proceedings—the DHQ's recent unequivocal claim of allegiance to constitutional authority appears aimed at restoring public trust in a military seeking to prove it will not stage a coup.
In conclusion, while the military unequivocally denies undermining democracy, critics suggest that the allegations arose from valid concerns following the confirmation of a high-level coup attempt. Nonetheless, the Armed Forces have vowed to focus on dismantling the terrorist networks displacing communities across the country. This episode highlights the delicate balance between rigorous military action and the preservation of Nigeria’s democratic order.
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