Group rejects Nigeria’s Global Terrorism Index ranking, cautions against demoralising troops

A civil society group, Ayudantees Empowerment Initiative (AYI), has lashed out at the decision to rank Nigeria as  the 6th most terrorised country in the recent Global Terrorism Index.

Addressing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, Executive Director, AYI, Amechi Chuks Oyema, faulted the new ranking for not considering recent massive gains against terrorists in the country.

“We are here to reject that report and say that it doesn’t reflect the situation on ground.

“How did they arrive at that rating? Was the Nigerian authorities carried along?

“Did the report consider that the enemies of the country, the bandits, terrorists are under pressure as a result of intensive operations by the Armed forces of Nigeria?

“Did they consider the number of bandits, terrorists etc that have surrended to our troops?

“Did they consider the number that have been neutralized in battle ground?

“Did they consider the aggression with which our troops are pursuing the enemies of our country?” The group queried.

While saying it stands with the Defence Headquarters to declare that the report is not valid, AYI said GTI should have considered reports on ground. Analyse them critically before submitting the report, even as it warned against action that will demoralise Nigerian troops.

“There is no gainsaying that reports like this can cause apprehension in the society.

“AYI notes the people must be considered before reports like this are released.

“Our troops making sacrifices should not be demoralised. We need to support them.

“Hence, AYI like the DHQ is advising  the public, especially the media, to ignore the report.

“The troops under the able leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa must be supported.

“We must not generate reports that don’t reflect what is on ground.”