Juliet Ezeh
The Defence Headquarters has called on media organisations to uphold professionalism and accuracy in reporting security-related issues, warning that misinterpretation of official statements could undermine ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Samaila Uba, the military authority expressed concern over recent reports that misrepresented comments made by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede.
According to the DHQ, the reports falsely suggested that the CDS accused residents of Borno and Yobe states of supporting terrorism, a claim it firmly denied.
Instead, the military clarified that the CDS’ remarks were centered on the importance of community cooperation in strengthening national security and tackling insurgency.
The statement stressed that isolated cases of collaboration between criminal elements and local actors should not be misinterpreted as a general indictment of entire communities.
“Misleading narratives have the potential to distort public understanding and weaken the collective fight against terrorism,” the statement noted.
The DHQ further explained that the CDS highlighted real-life incidents where terrorist elements attempted to exploit local structures for survival, reinforcing the need for vigilance among citizens.
It added that effective counterterrorism requires trust and collaboration between security agencies and the public, especially in regions affected by insurgency.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Armed Forces assured Nigerians of continued efforts to protect lives and maintain territorial integrity.
The military also commended residents of conflict-affected areas for their resilience and ongoing support, noting that public cooperation remains a critical factor in defeating terrorism across the country.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.