Military Warns Journalists, Adventurers Against Movement In Operational Zones

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has frowned at the presence of a large number of tourists, journalists and adventurers of diverse interests moving about in areas where security operations are currently ongoing especially in Adamawa and Borno States without the necessary security cover or clearance.

In a statement signed Sunday by the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, the DHQ cautioned the affected persons against infiltrating security operation zones for their own safety.

Olukolade said the trend constitutes unnecessary risk to the persons especially the foreigners involved, adding that it was also an undue obstruction to operations.

According to him, as much as the military had nothing to hide and believes in the freedom of movement in the country, there was need for all persons to recognise the status of certain places as operational zones.

“Anyone violating the existing procedures for coverage or movement in the mission area does so at his or her own peril as the security forces should not be held responsible for any unsavory outcome of such movement,” he warned.

He noted however that “necessary arrangements would continue to be made for the protection of persons and visitors whose movements are duly vetted and in line with development in the security situation on ground in particular mission area.

“The general public is hereby informed that obstructive, suspicious or risky movement of visitors will not be condoned in any mission and operational area in the country.”

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