The Defence Headquarters in Abuja, FCT, has clarified and dismissed what it described as misleading reports circulating online concerning its classification of terrorists and criminal groups operating in Nigeria’s South-West region.
It stated that its earlier remarks on the issue had been widely misinterpreted, stressing that the military authorities never intended to downplay the severity of the violent crimes committed by these groups.
The DHQ emphasized that its position was taken out of context in some publications, leading to inaccurate narratives being shared.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the intention behind its statement was to provide intelligence-driven context to the growing insecurity situation, while also preventing misinformation and avoiding unnecessary public panic.
The Defence Headquarters had confirmed that the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by terrorists affiliated with the JAS group.
It explained that the group had previously been pushed out of several areas across the country due to sustained military offensives.
It further stated that ongoing intelligence reports and field operations indicate that the group is now attempting to reorganise and expand its presence into parts of the South West region.
Reaffirming its stance, the military emphasized its continued dedication to supporting constitutional governance. It also noted that it is collaborating with other security agencies to protect citizens and ensure the safety of democratic institutions.
The Defence Headquarters further rejected claims that it had simply labelled violent terrorist groups as ordinary criminals, maintaining that its classification is strictly informed by intelligence evaluations.
The Defence Headquarters issued its clarification as follows:
“For clarity, at no time did the Defence Headquarters undermine the authority of any democratically elected leader or sought to diminish the gravity of the heinous crime committed against innocent citizens by terrorist elements. 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.”
It added: “the clarification issued by the Defence Headquarters was solely to provide an intelligence-based context regarding the security in the South West, in order to prevent misinformation and public panic. The recent incidence of kidnap in Oyo State was clearly perpetrated by terrorists of the JAS Group that have been dislodged from other parts of the country due to high intensity operations being conducted all over.”
“It is therefore inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters, at any point, referred to vicious and violent terrorists as criminals. Troops remain actively deployed across the affected areas in coordination with other security agencies and local stakeholders. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in dismantling all criminal and terrorist networks threatening the peace, stability and unity of the nation.”
See the post below
DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS CLARIFIES MISCHIEVIOUS REPORTS, VOWS TO SUSTAIN OFFENSIVE ACTION AGAINST FLEEING TERRORISTS
The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a mischievous and misleading publication misrepresenting comments credited to the Defence Headquarters… pic.twitter.com/UKllAP7fL5
— DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DHQNigeria) May 21, 2026
