By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters has strongly refuted growing claims that terrorist groups have established operational strongholds in the South-West region, insisting that the recent abduction attack in Oyo State was an isolated criminal incident and not evidence of a permanent insurgent structure.
The clarification came amid rising public concern following the attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, expressed deep sympathy to the affected families, the government and people of Oyo State, describing the abduction of innocent schoolchildren and staff as “a callous and reprehensible act that strikes at the heart of every Nigerian.”
General Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained fully committed to rescuing all abducted victims safely.
“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe and unconditional return of every abducted victim,” he stated.
The Defence Headquarters stressed that the Armed Forces had earlier conducted extensive clearance operations within the Old Oyo National Park, effectively dismantling criminal camps and disrupting illegal activities in the area.
According to the military, available intelligence does not support narratives suggesting the existence of any organised or permanent terrorist base in the South-West forests.
“Criminal elements, however audacious their recent activities, do not constitute an established insurgent presence,” the statement noted, cautioning against alarmist narratives capable of creating unnecessary panic among residents.
The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that troops are actively carrying out coordinated joint operations across forest corridors and ungoverned spaces in the South-West.
The military revealed that troops recently engaged the suspected criminals during ongoing operations and had continued pursuit activities after tactical reorganisation.
The statement added that the Armed Forces were collaborating closely with other security agencies, local vigilantes and community members to gather intelligence and ensure the swift rescue of the abducted victims.
“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,” the statement added.
Oyo School Attack: No Terrorist Base Exists in South-West, DHQ Insists
