By Kingsley Omonobi
Since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reports that the military, guided by his revitalized strategic vision, has made remarkable progress in dismantling terrorist cells, disrupting criminal networks, and reinstating government control in several conflict-prone areas.
According to DHQ, more than 5,000 insurgents and bandits have been eliminated across various operational zones, including the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central regions. Additionally, over 350 communities and villages previously dominated by terrorists and bandits-especially in Borno, Niger, Zamfara, and Katsina States-have been reclaimed.
The DHQ also refuted claims that terrorists and bandits killed 2,630 people in Plateau State over the past two years and that 167 communities were displaced there, labeling these assertions as fabricated.
Addressing a recent Amnesty International report that made these allegations, the DHQ criticized it as an overly pessimistic and generalized portrayal of national security challenges. They argued the report overlooked the complex, evolving nature of threats shaped by decades of socio-political and economic factors.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted that through collaboration with local intelligence networks, the military has successfully freed over 1,200 abducted civilians, including women and children, many of whom were victims of mass kidnappings.
He further explained that the establishment of Quick Response Forces (QRFs), forward Operating Bases, and strengthened cooperation with state authorities and community leaders have enhanced civil-military relations. Operations such as Safe Haven, Hadarin Daji, and Whirl Stroke have notably curtailed militia activities and reduced inter-communal violence.
Major General Kangye also emphasized the Nigerian Air Force‘s (NAF) role in conducting over 500 effective air interdictions and close air support missions. The deployment of advanced surveillance drones and night-time operations has bolstered tactical advantages while minimizing harm to civilians, significantly disrupting the mobility and supply lines of armed groups.
He revealed that the military engineering corps have secured and restored vital transportation and communication routes that were previously vulnerable to attacks. This has facilitated increased joint patrols along the porous borders with Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, effectively limiting cross-border insurgent movements.
Criticizing Amnesty International’s report on Plateau State, the DHQ accused it of deliberately misleading the public to generate negative perceptions about the military’s efforts. They stated, “The casualty figures cited do not accurately represent the security situation in Plateau State.”
Following a strategic redeployment and comprehensive operations in Plateau State starting July 2023, security conditions steadily improved until coordinated attacks occurred in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas on April 2 and 14, 2025.
Aside from isolated incidents such as the Christmas Eve attack in 2023 and the recent breaches in Bokkos and Bassa, no widespread coordinated assaults were recorded during the period referenced by the report.
Therefore, the DHQ concluded that the claim of 2,630 deaths in Plateau State over two years is a fabricated narrative serving ulterior motives.