…As DHQ debunks terrorists’ influx into Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has directed theatre commanders to ensure the integration of community engagements in the ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Michael Onoja conveyed the position during the monthly briefing on Wednesday, on kinetic and non-kinetic operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in Abuja.
General Onoja used the occasion to debunk alleged reports of the presence of suspected terrorists in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
His words: “The Chief of Defence Staff has directed all Theatre Commanders to fully integrate CIMIC into operational activities, ensuring professionalism, facilitating the resettlement of displaced communities to reinforce public confidence in military operations.
“The AFN reaffirms that community cooperation remains a vital pillar of national security and will continue to expand CIMIC initiatives as part of efforts to build inclusive and sustainable peace across the country.
“The consolidated operational outcomes recorded across all seven theatres in April 2026 present an unambiguous account of an Armed Force fully committed to its constitutional mandate and fully accountable to the Nigerian people.”
The AFN assured that intensified operations resulted in the killing of hundreds of terrorists, the rescue of kidnapped victims, as well as increased surrendering of the fighters and their family members.
“During this period, the AFN neutralised 201 number of terrorists across multiple engagements; rescued 188 of abducted civilians including women, children, the elderly, orphans, farmers, and worshippers and restored them to their families; stormed and destroyed numerous terrorist camps, criminal enclaves, IED-laden hideouts, and illicit armament production facilities; and arrested 284 key ring leaders, logisticians, and collaborators who had hitherto operated with impunity.
“These outcomes are not abstract achievements; behind every rescued victim is a family made whole, and behind every destroyed enclave is a community reclaimed.
“The AFN holds itself fully accountable for every operation conducted, ensuring strict compliance with the Rules of Engagement, the Laws of Armed Conflict, the Rome Statutes and all applicable provisions of International Humanitarian Law”, Onoja stated.
He added that: “The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commends the courage and sacrifice of all troops across every theatre, and charges them to maintain operational momentum with vigilance, discipline, and compassion for the civilians they serve.
“The AFN pauses with solemn reverence to honour those gallant officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation during this period”.
On the alleged presence of terrorists in some FCT communities, the DHQ clarified: “There is no verifiable report confirming the presence of terrorists in any part of the FCT. The allegation of the presence of terrorists in Jukwoyi is not true. I can state categorically that it is not true.”
