The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports misrepresenting comments by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, on terrorism in Borno and Yobe states, insisting his remarks were taken out of context.
In a statement issued on Friday, the DHQ said the online report falsely suggested that the CDS accused residents of the two states of supporting terrorism.
According to the military, no such generalisation was made.
Instead, Oluyede stressed the importance of community partnership in tackling insurgency, noting that the fight against terrorism requires collective effort.
“The fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of the military alone. It is a collective duty,” the CDS said, urging residents to reject terrorism and provide credible intelligence to security agencies.
The DHQ explained that the CDS referenced specific incidents where criminal elements exploited local structures, including a case where wounded insurgents were found within a community.
It clarified that the example was not a blanket accusation but a call for vigilance and cooperation.
The military added that such community engagement aligns with global counterinsurgency practices, where collaboration between civilians and security forces is key to long-term stability.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said it remains focused on defending the country’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens, while recording progress in ongoing operations, particularly in the North East.
The DHQ also cautioned media organisations against sensational reporting, urging journalists to verify facts and avoid narratives capable of undermining public trust or security efforts.
It further commended residents of Borno, Yobe and other parts of Nigeria for their resilience and continued support in the fight against terrorism.
