CDS Did Not Accuse Borno, Yobe People Of Complicity In Terrorism – DHQ

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, did not accuse the people of Borno and Yobe of complicity in the fight against terrorism.

The director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, made the clarification yesterday following misleading social media representations of the CDS’s remarks in Borno State.

The defence chief on Wednesday visited Borno State following three suicide bombing incidents by terrorists, where he called for local cooperation to end the menace.

He said, “At no time did the CDS indict or generalise that the good people of Borno and Yobe States are complicit in terrorism, as falsely portrayed.”

He explained that the CDS emphasised the critical role of community partnership, vigilance and collective responsibility in addressing the evolving security challenges facing the nation.

According to the statement, the CDS stated that “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.”

He added that  CDS’s call for residents to “take ownership” of the fight against terrorism is consistent with globally accepted counterinsurgency practices, which recognise that sustainable security can only be achieved through close collaboration between security forces and local communities.

“The CDS specifically referred to instances where criminal elements and collaborators exploit community structures to aid terrorist activities.

He gave an example of a particular town where some wounded terrorists who earlier took part in an attack against their own troops were found within the community, which implied that some residents of the community were complicit. He therefore reiterated that to end terrorism, all hands must be on deck. “Our people must resolve that this has to come to an end”, he noted. This was clearly not a blanket accusation, but a factual observation aimed at encouraging communities to remain vigilant and supportive of security agencies,” he said.

He reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to their constitutional responsibility to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and to protect all law-abiding citizens.

He added that the military continues to record significant successes in ongoing operations across the North East and other theatres.

He therefore urges media organisations and content creators to exercise professionalism, verify facts and avoid sensationalism and wrong framing that could create unnecessary tension or erode public trust.

“We deeply appreciate the resilience, cooperation and sacrifices of the people of Borno, Yobe and indeed all Nigerians in the collective fight against terrorism. It is also important to appreciate the significant role journalists play in this drive. Together we shall overcome the enemies of our nation,” he said.