The Armed Forces of Nigeria has denied allegations that it undermined democratic authorities in the South-West, reaffirming its commitment to sustained military operations against terrorists and criminal groups across the region.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, the Defence Headquarters described as misleading reports suggesting that the military downplayed the activities of terrorists operating in the South-West.
According to the statement, the Defence Headquarters never sought to undermine any democratically elected leader or minimise the seriousness of attacks carried out against innocent citizens.
“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,” the statement read.
The military explained that its earlier comments were intended to provide intelligence-based clarification on the security situation in the South-West in order to prevent misinformation and public panic.
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The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that a recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), who were displaced from other regions due to intensified military operations.
General Onoja maintained that it was inaccurate to suggest that the military referred to terrorists as ordinary criminals, stressing that troops remain actively deployed across affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
He added that the Armed Forces remain committed to dismantling all terrorist and criminal networks threatening Nigeria’s peace, stability, and unity.
