Abuja, Nigeria The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted widespread interpretations of recent comments made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, concerning the recent spate of violent attacks in Benue State, insisting that his remarks were “grossly misrepresented” and taken out of context.
The clarification comes in response to public backlash and media reports suggesting that the CDS had downplayed the severity of the attacks or made statements implying blame on affected communities. General Musa had spoken earlier this week at a press briefing on national security challenges, during which he addressed the recurring violence in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
In a statement issued Monday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ stressed that the CDS’s comments were “aimed at providing context to the complex security dynamics in the region, not to assign blame or make excuses for criminal acts.”
“It is regrettable that a nuanced and honest assessment of the security situation was twisted to generate controversy,” the statement read. “At no point did the CDS justify or trivialize the tragic loss of lives in Benue or elsewhere.”
The DHQ reiterated its commitment to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or location, and emphasized that military operations in Benue State and across the country are ongoing to curtail violence and restore stability.
In recent weeks, renewed clashes in Benue have left dozens dead and thousands displaced, with survivors attributing the violence to suspected militia and armed herders. The spate of killings has fueled criticism of federal security agencies and calls for greater intervention.
Civil society groups and political leaders in the state had earlier condemned the CDS’s reported remarks, calling them “insensitive” and demanding a public apology.
However, Monday’s clarification from the DHQ appears to be an effort to defuse tensions and reassure the public of the military’s neutrality and professionalism.
“We are fully aware of the pain these communities are going through,” Brigadier General Gusau added. “Our mission remains clear: to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria and protect its citizens from all forms of aggression.”
Meanwhile, local authorities in Benue have called for closer collaboration between the military and community leaders to improve intelligence gathering and prevent further bloodshed.