DHQ: We’ll defeat terrorism with U.S collaboration
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed confidence that the Nigerian military, through its ongoing collaboration with the United States military, will defeat terrorism. The military high command said the partnership
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed confidence that the Nigerian military, through its ongoing collaboration with the United States military, will defeat terrorism.
The military high command said the partnership would yield noticeable improvements in the coming weeks and months.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja stated this during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters on Tuesday.
The assurance comes amid continued terrorist attacks, which have raised concerns among citizens about whether the collaboration with the United States is yielding the desired results.
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However, the Defence spokesperson said that the United States’ assistance to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities includes intelligence sharing and operational training aimed at enhancing the Armed Forces’ capacity to tackle emerging threats.
He added that while some aspects of the cooperation remain confidential due to the sensitivity of ongoing military operations, the collaboration is in Nigeria's best interest.
The Defence spokesperson noted that although the support's impact may not be immediate, it would soon translate into tangible outcomes on the ground.
He said, “The involvement of the US with our operations and security situation is quite significant.
“You are aware that they are bringing intelligence, another support training, another support to us, which we need. And they are giving that to us at very favourable times, too.
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“There are lots of things I cannot say because of confidentiality. All we can say is that these things take time. You know, there is a gestation period when we are conducting military operations. You will not see it immediately, but I'm sure in the next few months or weeks, you will feel the difference in the impact of the assistance that the U.S. is providing. Just be assured that they are giving us adequate intelligence."
While fielding questions from journalists on military preparedness for a hitch-free Easter period, Onoja said festive periods often come with increased security risks, but assured that the military would beef up security during the Easter celebrations.
Onoja added that the Armed Forces had already placed personnel on alert nationwide to prevent any security breaches during the holiday period.
He added that similar measures were implemented during previous festive seasons, including Christmas and Easter, and would be sustained.
“We know that festive seasons usually have heightened security activities. The military command gives instructions to ensure all personnel are on alert. This time will not be different,” he said.
He emphasised that security agencies would not relax despite the celebrations, noting that adversaries often attempt to exploit such periods.
“I can assure you that we will always be on alert, particularly at this period of festivities, because we know that the threats expect us to relax. But we are not going to relax. Everything will be okay this Easter,” Onoja said.
