DHQ cautions on movement of unaccredited visitors, tourists in operations areas

The Defence Headquarters said it has noted 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.
It said this trend constitutes unnecessary risk to the persons, especially the foreigners involved.
The DHQ said it is also an undue obstruction to operations.
The statement, signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said: Much as the military has nothing to hide and believes in the freedom of movement in the country, the need for all persons to recognize the status of certain places as operational area is hereby reiterated. 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 unsavoury outcome of such movement.”
The statement said necessary arrangement will continue to be made for the protection of persons and visitors whose movement is duly vetted and in line with development in the security situation on ground, in particular mission area.
It added: “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.”