The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorists have established a base in Nigeria’s South-West region, describing such claims as false and misleading.
The military clarified that the recent attack in Oyo State was an isolated criminal incident and not evidence of an emerging insurgency in the region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria are intensifying efforts to rescue pupils and school staff abducted during the attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Onoja described the abduction of innocent schoolchildren and teachers as “reprehensible,” assuring Nigerians that the military is deploying all available resources to secure their safe and unconditional release.
According to him, troops have already established contact with the abductors and are currently conducting aggressive pursuit operations across surrounding forest areas.
“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims,” he stated.
The defence spokesman also disclosed that earlier clearance operations were carried out in the Old Old Oyo National Park, where several criminal elements were neutralised.
He stressed that available intelligence does not support claims of any organised terrorist structure in the South-West, warning against narratives capable of causing panic among residents.
“The incident in Oyo State remains an isolated criminal act and does not indicate the presence of an entrenched insurgent structure in the region,” Onoja said.
He added that joint operations involving other security agencies and local vigilante groups are ongoing to flush out criminal elements and restore peace. He also urged residents to continue providing credible information to assist ongoing rescue operations.
“The Armed Forces will not relent until all abducted victims are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice,” he added.
