Tag: Defence Headquarters (DHQ)

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has convened a Joint Border Security Meeting, following Saturday’s clash between Nigerien soldiers and the Joint Nigerian security forces in Mazanya, a border community in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Director Defence Media Operation, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

The meeting was aimed at consolidating liaison arrangements between Nigerian and Nigerien security forces and preventing similar occurrences in the future.

According to him, in line with the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries,

There were reports on Saturday about a diplomatic breach by Nigerien soldiers who entered Nigerian territory unauthorized, causing panic of a possible terrorist invasion and subsequent confrontation by Joint Nigerian security Forces, including the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, police, DSS, and Civilian Joint Task Force.

Giving an explanation of the incident, Maj.-Gen. Onoja explained that a convoy, consisting of four gun trucks and one Toyota Jeep carrying Nigerien military officers and soldiers, entered the Mazanya community to fetch water, “a routine activity historically conducted by troops from the Niger Republic.”

He said, “The unusually large size of the convoy raised concern among local vigilante members in the community, who mistakenly perceived the movement as a potential hostile advance.

“This misunderstanding led to the vigilantes opening fire on the Nigerien troops.

“Following dialogue between Nigerian security authorities and the Nigerien commander on the ground, the Nigerien troops proceeded to fetch the required water as intended and returned to their side of the border without further incident.

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“The commander emphasized the importance of prior liaison and communication before any future cross-border water-fetching missions, particularly when such missions involve large troop formations or official visits by senior commanders. The Nigerien commander acknowledged the concerns and agreed to adhere to improved communication procedures moving forward.

“In line with the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries,

“The meeting was aimed at consolidating liaison arrangements between Nigerian and Nigerien security forces and preventing similar occurrences in the future.”

The Defence spokesperson reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s unwavering commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and seamless coordination with the Republic of Niger.

He emphasized that Nigeria and Niger share long-standing cultural, economic, and security ties, and both countries would continue to collaborate closely in addressing common challenges such as terrorism, smuggling, illegal migration, and other transborder threats.

Onoja assured the public that lessons drawn from the incident are being taken seriously and that concrete measures are already underway to ensure that such misunderstandings do not recur.

He urged residents of Mazanya and other border communities to remain calm but vigilant while going about their lawful activities.

“The situation is fully under control, and both Nigerian and Nigerien authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians living along the border,” Onoja said. 

…probes alleged troops’ withdrawal in Kebbi’s school

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said the military is fully engaged in ongoing operations to ensure the safe rescue of the students abducted in Kebbi and Niger States, and the arrest of the perpetrators.

The military high command gave the assurance in a statement by the Director Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen Michael Onoja, on Sunday.

At least 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and 303 students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State, were abducted by gunmen last week.

In a separate incident, three worshippers were killed and a pastor, along with several others, was abducted at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the Eruku community of Kwara State.

The incidents drew concerns and condemnation from the government, influential individuals, and the international community, with many calling for increased efforts to address the growing insecurity in Nigeria.

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President Bola Tinubu cancelled his planned trips to attend the G20 Summit in South Africa and Angola for the AU–EU Summit, following the incidents.

The DHQ condemned the “heinous act in the strongest terms”, assuring the safe rescue of all abductees and arrest of the perpetrators.

“Our thoughts remain with the students, their families, and the community affected by this incident,” it said.

The military high command said it had commenced an investigation into the alleged withdrawal of troops stationed at the school in Kebbi 30 minutes before the attack.

“Regarding the allegation made by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State—that the terrorists struck 30 minutes after troops were withdrawn from the school, the Defence Headquarters is aware of this claim.

“In line with our standard procedure, a thorough review is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements in the area at the time of the incident,” the DHQ said

The military high command acknowledged the concerns of Nigerians regarding the recent increase in insecurity in parts of the North, but assured that the Nigerian military remains committed to working closely with state authorities, community leaders, and other security agencies to strengthen protection around schools and vulnerable communities.

“We assure Nigerians that the rescue effort is a top priority, and our troops are actively on the ground pursuing all actionable intelligence to ensure the safe return of the abducted students,” the DHQ said. 

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports and videos circulating on social media on alleged forceful recruitment of young Nigerians from the age of 18 years into the military.

It described the report which was attributed to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede, as “fake” and “clearly intended” to defame the character of the CDS and portray the military in bad light.

In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Samaila Uba, yesterday, the military high command stated that the Armed Forces remains a “noble profession with thousands of patriotic Nigerians ever ready to willingly join its ranks as attested to during various recruitment exercises into the three arms of the Nigerian military.”

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“For the avoidance of doubt, let it be on record that the purported statement was never made by the Chief of Defence Staff, any of the Service Chiefs and indeed by any member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement said.

The DHQ emphasized the need for individuals to exercise caution when sharing statements and videos to avoid spreading fake news, urging the public to verify the source and authenticity of information before sharing.

“It is therefore important for all to note that all statements and releases from the Chief of Defence Staff are to be sourced from verified Defence Headquarter’s designated spokespersons and its official social media handles,” it said

The military high command urged the public to disregard the “fake” report and video in their entirety.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports and videos circulating on social media on alleged forceful recruitment of young Nigerians from the age of 18 years into the military.

It described the report, which was attributed to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Olufemi Oluyede, as “fake” and “clearly intended” to defame the character of the CDS and portray the military in bad light.

In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Samaila Uba, on Saturday, the military high command stated that the Armed Forces remains a “noble profession with thousands of patriotic Nigerians ever ready to willingly join its ranks as attested to during various recruitment exercises into the three arms of the Nigerian military.”

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“For the avoidance of doubt, let it be on record that the purported statement was never made by the Chief of Defence Staff, any of the Service Chiefs and indeed by any member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the statement said.

The DHQ emphasised the need for individuals to exercise caution when sharing statements and videos to avoid spreading fake news, urging the public to verify the source and authenticity of information before sharing

“It is therefore important for all to note that all statements and releases from the Chief of Defence Staff are to be sourced from verified Defence Headquarter’s designated spokespersons and its official social media handles,” it said

The military high command urged the public to disregard the “fake” report and video in their entirety.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrest of a Chinese national during a counter-terrorism operation in Borno State.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, made the confirmation on behalf of the military high command yesterday.

Maj-Gen Kangye did not disclose the identity of the foreigner, but said the individual, who claimed to be a miner, was in military’s custody undergoing interrogation.

The arrest of the Chinese national came less than a week after the military announced the arrest of four Pakistani allegedly involved in training terrorists in the Northeast.

While questioning the suspect’s presence in an area under military operation, Gen. Kangye added that five terrorists’ logistics suppliers were also arrested during the operation.

The Defence Spokesman assured journalists that a full scale investigation was underway to determine the suspect’s intentions and possible links to insurgent groups.

He said: “Troops arrested five terrorists’ logistics suppliers, collaborators, and a Chinese national claiming to be a miner during well-coordinated operations conducted in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State between 5 and 7 June, 2025.

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“Anybody that is caught, just like you know with criminals, they will just deny involvement.

“But the question is: what brought him there at the time of arrest? Why was he in an operational area where our troops were conducting operations?

“The Chinese national has been detained and is undergoing interrogation.

“Once the investigation is concluded, we will furnish the public with full details—why he was there, how he was arrested, and whether he has accomplices.”

Kangye dismissed claims that troops are often slow in responding to distress calls during attacks, especially in remote communities.

He described the allegation as misleading, noting that logistical realities such as difficult terrain and the need for coordination affect response time.

He said: “People must understand that our troops are not in every village. Sometimes, incidents occur 10 to 15 kilometres from the nearest military base.

“Before deployment, the appropriate subunit must be identified, a commander appointed and vehicles and supplies secured.

“All of this takes time.”

Kangye maintained that all distress calls were being addressed, assuring the public of the military’s commitment to protecting citizens and neutralising threats.

“Let’s not rush to label our troops as slow. They are working under tough conditions, and I can assure you—they respond when called upon,” he said.