The Nigerian military has dismissed reports alleging the infiltration of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by elements of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly around fringe communities, describing the claims as unfounded and lacking any verifiable evidence.

The military high command also disclosed plans to investigate the killing of a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Abuja.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said categorically that there is no credible evidence of terrorist presence in any part of the FCT.

According to him, “There is no verifiable report confirming the presence of terrorists in any part of the FCT. The allegation of the presence of terrorists in Jukwoyi is not true. I can state categorically that it is not true.”

He, however, noted that while terrorist presence is not established, criminal elements may exist within the territory.

On the incident involving the NYSC corps member, Onoja explained that conflicting accounts are currently under review.

He said the military unit involved reported that its personnel were pursuing armed robbers and that the incident occurred during a crossfire, while the family has disputed this version of events.

According to him, “I have reviewed both the military’s report and the family’s counter-narrative. It is evident that there are gaps in both accounts. While the soldiers maintain that they were pursuing an armed robber and that there was a crossfire, the family insists that this account is inaccurate, and we are currently engaging with them.”

He added that Internal verification is ongoing to determine the most credible version of events, stressing accountability for any wrongdoing.

Onoja reiterated that security agencies remain on high alert to ensure the FCT remains secure, noting that all military formations have been tasked with preventing any security breach.

Providing an update on wider operations, he said the Armed Forces recorded major successes across all seven theatres in April 2026.

He stated that “During this period, the AFN neutralised 216 terrorists across multiple engagements; rescued 188 abducted civilians including women, children, the elderly, orphans, farmers, and worshippers and restored them to their families; stormed and destroyed numerous terrorist camps, criminal enclaves, IED-laden hideouts, and illicit armament production facilities; and arrested 284 key ring leaders, logisticians, and collaborators who had hitherto operated with impunity.”

He added that these outcomes reflect both operational effectiveness and accountability, stressing that every operation is conducted in line with the rules of engagement and international humanitarian law. (AriseNews TV, excluding headline)

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