CDS didn’t accuse Borno, Yobe residents of aiding terrorists – DHQ

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede

By Kingsley Omonobi

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a report which it says grossly misrepresented recent remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, on the fight against terrorism in Borno and Yobe states.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the report falsely portrayed the CDS as accusing the people of Borno and Yobe of complicity in terrorism.

Uba said that at no point did General Oluyede indict or generalise that residents of the two North-East states were supporting terrorists.

He explained that the CDS emphasised the importance of community partnership, vigilance, and collective responsibility in tackling the evolving security challenges facing the country.

“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 statement quoted the CDS as saying.

DHQ noted 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.

As an example, the statement said General Oluyede cited a particular town where some wounded terrorists, who had earlier participated in an attack on troops, were later found within the community, suggesting that some residents may have been complicit.

The Defence Headquarters stressed that this was not a blanket accusation against the people of Borno and Yobe, but a factual observation meant to encourage communities to remain vigilant and support security agencies.

‘Our people must resolve that this has to come to an end,” the CDS was quoted as saying.

DHQ reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to their constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting all law-abiding citizens.

It added that the military continues to record significant successes in ongoing operations across the North-East and other theatres of operation.

The military high command also urged media organisations and content creators to exercise professionalism, verify facts, and avoid sensational reporting that could create unnecessary tension or erode public trust.

While appreciating the resilience, cooperation and sacrifices of the people of Borno, Yobe and other Nigerians in the fight against terrorism, DHQ also commended journalists for their contributions to the national security effort.

“Together, we shall overcome the enemies of our nation,” the statement added.