The Nigerian Army has debunked claims suggesting terrorists’ establishment of base in the Southwest.
This coming amid speculations surrounding the recent attack and kidnappning of teachers and staff of Ahoro-Esinele Community High School, Yawota Baptist Primary School, and L.A Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In the wake of the incident which occurred last week Friday with the abducted people still in the kidnappers’ den, some reports had emerged, alleging the terrorists’ establishment of permanent operational base in the South West region.
Reacting to the claims, the Defense Headquarters, refuted the claim.
The army, in a statement issued by its Director of Defense, Media Operation, Maj. Gen. Micheal Onoja, described the attack on the schools as isolated attacks which does not reflect the existence of any entrenched terrorist structure in the region.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to categorically address recent media reports and public speculation suggesting that terrorist elements have established a permanent operational base within the South West geo-political zone of Nigeria, particularly following the attack in Oyo State.
“It is pertinent to state that the incident was an isolated criminal act and does not reflect the existence of any entrenched terrorist structure in the region, as the Armed Forces had earlier conducted a comprehensive clearance operation of the Old Oyo National Park (OONP), effectively neutralizing the operational capacity of criminal elements within that corridor.
“Current intelligence assessments do not support the conclusion that any structured or permanent terrorist base exists within the forests or hinterlands of the South West region.
“Criminal elements, however audacious their recent activities, do not constitute an established insurgent presence, and the Defence Headquarters cautions against narratives that may cause unnecessary public panic or embolden adversaries by overstating their capabilities.” The statement partly read.
The Defence Headquarters assured all Nigerians, particularly residents of the South West, that troops are currently deployed and actively operating within the forest in pursuit of the perpetrators and in search of the abducted victims.
Onoja discosed that the troops came in contact with the terrorrists two days ago and have since reorganised in pursuit of the rescue mission.
“Troops made contact with the criminal elements two days ago, have since reorganized, and are continuing the search and pursuit operations with full determination.
“Working in close coordination with relevant security agencies, the Armed Forces is conducting intensive joint operations across forest corridors and ungoverned spaces in the zone.
“The Armed Forces is equally engaging the local populace for human intelligence, recognizing that community cooperation remains an invaluable asset in the effort to recover the abducted victims safely and swiftly.
“The joint effort with all security agencies and local vigilantes will ensure that the forest is thoroughly cleared of criminal elements and that lasting peace is restored to the region.” He wrotr.
The army spokesperson said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not relent until every abducted victim is safely recovered, the criminal networks responsible are dismantled, and normalcy is fully restored across the South West and indeed all of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, the government and people of Oyo State over the attack.
Oluyede, according to Onoja, describes the abduction of innocent children and staffs as a callous and reprehensible act that strikes at the heart of every Nigerian.
He assured the grieving families that the full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe and unconditional return of every abducted victim.
The Chief of Defence Staff further called on all Nigerians to remain calm, united, and cooperate with security forces during this critical period of operations.