The Defence Headquarters has identified a section of the media as inciting confusion with false reports of the retirement of Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim.
It also denied that there is a power struggle either in the Military or among the three armed services as reported in some national dailies.
“Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim has not under any circumstances sought or asked for permission of the President, Commander–in-Chief of the Armed Forces to voluntarily retire from active service,” the Defence Headquarters said.
According to Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade who disclosed this on Tuesday, the dangerous and sensational report on some national dailies about Admiral Ibrahim’s voluntarily retirement is capable of inciting insecurity in the country.
“The media outfits, some of which quoted an online news site or other anonymous sources, did not bother to check for facts before embarking on this dangerous sensational report, which is capable of inciting insecurity in the country,” he said.
“This is most unfortunate especially as it went on to paint a scenario that portrays power struggle within the services, apparently with a view to undermining the cohesiveness of the leadership of the Armed Forces.
“Admiral Ibrahim remains committed to serving the nation to the best of his ability in his capacity as the Chief of Defence Staff of the most vibrant Armed Forces of the sub- Sahara Africa. ” For the avoidance of any doubts, it is hereby clarified that the CDS has not tendered any such notice neither is he ill as claimed in the spurious reports.
“For most of last week, the CDS was in the United Kingdom and this week in Cote D’ivoire all in a bid to enhance the output of the Nigerian Military in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.”
Olukolade warned that the current security challenge confronting the country should not be compounded by sensational and careless presentation of reports, as this can not only embolden insurgents with a false sense of invincibility but in some cases, compromise the efforts of security agents in combating them.”
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has assured the public that the Military is winning the war against terrorism with the security structures in place across the country.
“The fact that there is an increase in the number of attacks by the insurgents is an indication of a sense of desperation on their part and these are their last fights,” he said.
Olukolade reiterated that the Joint Task Forces (JTF) has made Maiduguri and its environs untenable for the Boko Haram Islamist sect. He said some of the citizens who left Maiduguri at the heat of activities of the terrorists are now gradually returning.
“The Joint Task Force has in the past few weeks destroyed Boko Haram camps at Sambisa and Demboa games reserves.
“The Joint Task Force also provides some amenities: boreholes, grains, rice, millet, maize, sugar and free medical services to selected community as an encouragement to help check influx of foreigner through the borders. The operations of the Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau State where ethic rivalry has resulted in conflicts are also encouraging.
He added that while it has in no small measure reduced IED attacks to a minimal level, the distribution of 1000 free phones to select individuals in the coverage area has shortened the time STF react to distress calls.
