From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has unveiled a nationwide toll-free emergency line, 193, calling on Nigerians to promptly report security threats and provide credible intelligence to support ongoing military operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, announced the initiative on Wednesday while briefing defence correspondents in Abuja on the operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria across various theatres of operation.
According to Onoja, the newly introduced emergency line is designed to improve intelligence gathering by providing citizens with a direct and accessible channel to relay timely information capable of aiding military operations and preventing security breaches.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting the Armed Forces by reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities either through the nearest military formation or by calling the toll-free emergency line 193.
The military spokesman assured Nigerians that all information received through the hotline would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality, stressing that adequate measures had been put in place to protect the identities of informants.
Onoja described national security as a collective responsibility, emphasising that the cooperation of citizens remains indispensable to the success of ongoing operations against criminal elements across the country.
He said intelligence supplied by members of the public has continued to play a vital role in helping troops identify, track, and neutralise security threats in different parts of the country.
The Defence spokesman also conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, to troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and resilience in the various operational theatres.
He noted that the CDS equally expressed appreciation to civilian communities, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), local vigilante groups, and other security agencies for their sustained cooperation and intelligence support, which he said have contributed significantly to the successes recorded by the military.
Reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and security nationwide, Onoja said the military would sustain and intensify ongoing operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups until all operational theatres are fully stabilised.
He added that the ultimate objective of the operations is to create a secure environment that would enable internally displaced persons to return safely to their communities while ensuring that all Nigerians are able to live in freedom, safety, and dignity.
