𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺: 𝗖𝗗𝗦 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗼, 𝗬𝗼𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 – 𝗗𝗛𝗤
𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺: 𝗖𝗗𝗦 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗼, 𝗬𝗼𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 – 𝗗𝗛𝗤
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, did not accuse residents of Borno State and Yobe State of supporting terrorism, following widespread reactions to recent comments.
The clarification comes amid public concern that the CDS had suggested locals in the North-East were complicit in aiding insurgent groups. However, the DHQ stressed that such interpretations were incorrect and taken out of context.
According to the military authorities, General Musa’s remarks were aimed at highlighting the need for stronger community collaboration in tackling insurgency, particularly against groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The DHQ emphasized that the fight against terrorism requires intelligence sharing and support from local populations, not blame or accusations.
The military noted that residents of Borno and Yobe have continued to suffer greatly from years of insurgent attacks, displacement, and economic hardship. It added that many locals have also played key roles in supporting security operations through vigilance groups and information sharing.
“The CDS did not indict the people of Borno and Yobe. Rather, he acknowledged their sacrifices and urged continued cooperation with security agencies,” the DHQ said in its statement.
Security analysts say the clarification is crucial in maintaining trust between the military and civilians in the North-East, where collaboration is considered essential to defeating insurgency.
Nigeria has battled terrorism in the region for over a decade, with ongoing efforts by the armed forces to restore peace and stability. The DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens while strengthening partnerships with communities affected by the crisis.
