By Defence Correspondent

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as “mischievous and misleading” reports alleging that it downplayed the activities of terrorists and criminal elements operating in the South-West region of the country.

In a statement, the military authorities clarified that at no time did the Defence Headquarters undermine the authority of any democratically elected leader or diminish the seriousness of crimes committed against innocent citizens by terrorist groups.

According to the DHQ, the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to supporting constitutional governance, protecting democratic institutions, and collaborating with all levels of government to ensure national security.

The statement explained that the clarification earlier issued by the military was intended solely to provide intelligence-based context on the security situation in the South-West in order to prevent misinformation and avoid unnecessary public panic.

The Defence Headquarters further stated that the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by terrorists linked to the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) group, whose members were displaced from other parts of the country due to intensified military operations nationwide.

It stressed that reports suggesting that the Defence Headquarters referred to violent terrorists merely as criminals were inaccurate and misleading.

According to the military, troops remain actively deployed across affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to contain the threat and maintain peace.

The DHQ reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to dismantling all terrorist and criminal networks threatening the country’s peace, stability, and unity.