A socio-economic development group, the Ayudantees Empowerment Initiative, has rejected the listing of Nigeria by Global Terrorism(GTI) Index as the sixth country most-affected by terrorism in the world.
The in a press conference on Monday noted that the report didn’t take into account the various efforts being made by the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the report on ground.
Executive Director of the Group, Amechi Chuks Oyema who briefed the press said contrary to the listing the Armed Forces under Gen. Chris Musa has significantly downgraded the capabilities of the non-state actors.
AYI said the report should have considered what is on ground before the listing.
According to the group, “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?
“Today, we stand with the Defence Headquarters to declare that the report is not valid.
“We believe the GTI should have considered reports on ground. Analyse them critically before submitting the report.
“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.”
