Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has issued a detailed clarification rejecting reports that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, accused the people of Borno and Yobe states of supporting terrorists. The military described the earlier media claims as inaccurate and misleading, emphasising that the CDS’s comments were misrepresented and taken out of context.
The clarification was issued in a statement by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, who said the Defence Headquarters became aware of a report circulating online that significantly distorted remarks made by the CDS during his recent visit to Borno State. According to the DHQ, the report created the false impression that General Oluyede had blamed the civilian populations of Borno and Yobe for aiding terrorism — a narrative the military says is untrue and potentially harmful to ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
Major General Uba stressed that at no point did the CDS accuse or generalise that the people of Borno and Yobe were complicit in terrorism. Instead, the statement explained, General Oluyede emphasised the importance of community engagement, cooperation, and shared responsibility in the fight against insurgency. He reiterated that defeating terrorism is not the sole responsibility of the military but a collective effort that involves citizens and security forces working together.
In his remarks during the visit, the CDS highlighted the need for residents to reject terrorism in all its forms and to provide security agencies with credible and timely information that can help operations. According to the Defence Headquarters, this appeal aligns with globally recognised counterinsurgency practices, which underscore the importance of local communities in reporting suspicious activities and assisting security personnel in identifying threats.
The statement noted that the CDS pointed to specific instances where criminal elements and their collaborators had taken advantage of community structures to facilitate insurgent activities. One example cited was a town where injured attackers were found within a community after engaging troops, suggesting that some people had shielded or concealed them. The Defence Headquarters clarified that this was a factual observation about a particular event, not a sweeping allegation against entire populations.
The military emphasised that the remarks were intended to highlight the complexities of counterterrorism efforts, where terrorists sometimes embed themselves within civilian settings to evade capture. The CDS’s comments, as clarified by the DHQ, focused on encouraging vigilance and cooperation from all Nigerians to strengthen security measures and reduce the risk of terror networks exploiting local environments.
Addressing the issue of misinformation, the Defence Headquarters urged media organisations and content creators to verify information before publication and avoid sensationalism. The statement warned that misleading narratives could incite unnecessary tension, undermine public confidence, and jeopardise the collective efforts of communities and security forces in combating terrorism.
The DHQ also reiterated that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting all law‑abiding citizens, including those in conflict‑affected areas such as the North‑East. The statement appreciated the resilience and cooperation of the people of Borno, Yobe, and other Nigerian states in supporting national security efforts.
Officials noted that the military continues to make progress in ongoing counterterrorism operations across the North‑East, stressing that gains on the ground are largely dependent on proactive community engagement and the flow of reliable intelligence. According to the Defence Headquarters, strengthening trust between security agencies and citizens is essential for sustaining these efforts and ensuring lasting peace.
Public reaction to the clarification has reflected a mix of relief and calls for clearer public communication from security authorities. Many observers highlighted the importance of accuracy in reporting statements from senior military officials, particularly in regions affected by prolonged conflict. Analysts noted that misinterpretations can easily fuel misunderstanding or erode trust at a time when collaboration between communities and security forces is especially crucial.
Security experts have also commented that community support is a well‑established component of successful counterinsurgency strategies globally. They argue that empowered and informed local populations can significantly enhance the effectiveness of military operations by helping to identify and deter extremist activities. However, they note that this requires careful communication and mutual trust, rather than narratives that might be perceived as accusatory.
The Defence Headquarters’ clarification serves to reaffirm the military’s stance that counterterrorism is a shared responsibility, and that the CDS’s message was intended to encourage unity and cooperation rather than assign blame. By addressing the misrepresentation publicly, the military aims to preserve the integrity of its communications and reinforce the collaborative approach needed to confront evolving security challenges.
As Nigeria continues to confront insurgency and other security threats, clear and accurate messaging from both government institutions and media outlets remains a priority. For residents of Borno and Yobe and all Nigerians, the clarification seeks to reinforce confidence in national efforts and encourage ongoing participation in building a more secure future.
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