By Agency Report
The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says communities in Borno and Yobe must take ownership of the fight against terrorism as local cooperation remains critical in ending insurgency.
Mr Oluyede said this on Thursday following a strategic assessment by the Armed Forces of Nigeria on ongoing counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
He said that findings indicated that the effectiveness and sustainability of military operations were closely tied to the cooperation and commitment of local communities.
He noted that terrorism could not thrive without local support systems, and expressed concern over intelligence reports suggesting that some individuals within affected communities had knowingly or unknowingly, aided or shielded terrorist elements.
According to him, such actions undermine military efforts and prolong the suffering of innocent citizens.
The CDS added that perpetrators of violence were often not strangers but individuals known within the communities, including neighbours, relatives and acquaintances.
He therefore, urged residents to rise above fear and misplaced loyalties by exposing criminal elements and denying them sanctuary.
“The fight against terrorism is not the responsibility of the military alone. It is a collective duty.
“The people of Borno and Yobe must reject terrorism in all its forms and actively support security agencies with credible and timely information,” he said.
Citing a recent incident, Oluyede said some wounded attackers involved in an assault on Kukawa were found within the community during follow-up operations, indicating possible complicity.
“For us to bring this to an end, all hands must be on deck. Our people must resolve that this has to come to an end,” he said.
He reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained committed and adaptive in tackling evolving threats, including the use of drones and other emerging technologies by terrorist groups.
Oluyede also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and civil society organisations to play more proactive roles in mobilising communities against extremism.
He emphasised that building resilient communities capable of resisting extremist influence was critical to achieving lasting peace in the region.
The defence chief urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and cooperate fully with security agencies.
He also assured law-abiding Nigerians of its commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring peace across the North East.
NAN
