The Nigerian Armed Forces have dismissed allegations that the military is attempting to undermine democratic authorities in the South-West, insisting its operations remain fully aligned with constitutional governance and national security objectives.

Defence Headquarters said recent comments attributed to the military were deliberately distorted to create the false impression that security authorities were downplaying terrorist activities in the region.

In a statement issued by Defence spokesperson Major General Michael Onoja, the military described the reports as “mischievous and misleading,” stressing that at no point did the Armed Forces excuse or minimise violent attacks carried out by armed groups across the country.

According to the military, the clarification previously issued was only meant to provide intelligence-based context regarding the security situation in the South-West and prevent misinformation capable of triggering unnecessary panic.

The Armed Forces reaffirmed that they remain committed to supporting democratic institutions, protecting elected governments, and collaborating with state authorities and local communities to tackle insecurity nationwide.

Military authorities also revealed that the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was linked to suspected members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction who allegedly fled into the region after sustained military offensives in other parts of the country.

The Defence Headquarters insisted it was inaccurate to suggest that terrorists were merely being described as ordinary criminals, maintaining that troops are actively pursuing armed groups and dismantling their operational networks across affected areas.

According to the statement, military operations against terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal gangs remain ongoing in coordination with other security agencies and local stakeholders.

The Armed Forces further vowed to sustain pressure on violent groups threatening national peace and unity, promising continued offensives aimed at destroying terrorist hideouts, logistics routes, and criminal networks operating across Nigeria.