The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report, which ranked Nigeria as the sixth most terrorism-affected country worldwide.
The DHQ criticized the March 5 report, stating that no external organization could provide a more accurate account of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts than the country’s security agencies.
Speaking in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, urged the public and media to disregard the report, arguing that Nigeria’s internal assessments were more reliable.
He said: “Something is happening in my house. I’m the head of the house… and someone else is reporting what is happening in my house to me. Which one would be more correct? The one I will tell you as the head of the house or the one that someone is reporting from outside?”
Kangye also called on journalists to ensure accurate reporting on Nigeria’s security situation, emphasizing that they attend weekly security briefings where credible information is provided.
Addressing security challenges in the Southeast, Kangye reaffirmed that the military was working to neutralize threats posed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He explained that Operation Udo Ka was established to restore stability in the region, similar to Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast.
“The locals, for fear of being attacked or killed, often choose to stay at home. However, our commanders under Operation Udo Ka are doing their best to free the Southeast from IPOB/ESN influence,” he said.
