The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports of an alleged ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram terrorists, insisting that military operations against insurgents, kidnappers and other criminal groups remain ongoing across the country.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, made this known on Thursday while responding to journalists at a joint briefing involving defence, security and intelligence agencies, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
Uba said the continued neutralisation of terrorists, arrest of suspects and rescue of abducted victims demonstrated that the Armed Forces had not suspended or relaxed their operations.
He stated that there was no ceasefire agreement with Boko Haram, adding that troops would continue to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and other criminal elements.
According to him, military operations are not restricted to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), but also target kidnappers and other groups threatening the lives and security of Nigerians.
Uba warned that anyone involved in criminal activities would either be neutralised through lawful military operations or brought to justice.
Addressing concerns over reports of insurgents relocating to other parts of the country, the defence spokesman described the development as evidence of the pressure military operations had mounted on their previous strongholds.
He, however, assured Nigerians that the military would not allow the insurgents to establish new bases in other locations.
Uba disclosed that the Armed Forces were mapping areas where the terrorists might have relocated and implementing proactive measures to prevent them from establishing fresh footholds.
He also cited the recent neutralisation of a high-ranking terrorist in a forest area as evidence that criminal elements would find no safe haven anywhere in the country.
The defence spokesman further explained that the ongoing restructuring of the Armed Forces, including the establishment of new formations, battalions and military units, was aimed at addressing security gaps and strengthening military presence nationwide.
He said the adjustments to the military’s order of battle were designed to respond to emerging security threats, improve operational coverage and enhance the capacity of troops to tackle insecurity across Nigeria.
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