By Harriet Tornguvan
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorist groups have established a permanent operational base in Nigeria’s South West region, describing such claims as misleading and capable of creating unnecessary panic among citizens.
The clarification followed the recent attack and abduction of pupils and staff from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, extended condolences to the families of victims, the Oyo State Government and Nigerians over the incident.
The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.
General Oluyede described the abduction of innocent children and school personnel as a “callous and reprehensible act” that has deeply shaken the nation, assuring families that the Armed Forces of Nigeria had deployed all necessary resources to secure the safe and unconditional release of the victims.
He appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, united and supportive of security agencies as operations continue.
The Defence Headquarters said recent media reports linking the attack to the existence of an entrenched terrorist network in the South West were inaccurate, insisting that available intelligence does not support such conclusions.
According to the statement, the Armed Forces had previously carried out extensive clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park corridor, neutralising criminal elements operating in the area and disrupting their capabilities.
“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,” the statement noted.
The military maintained that while criminal groups may have carried out isolated attacks, their activities should not be interpreted as evidence of an established insurgent presence.
DHQ warned against narratives that could exaggerate the strength of criminal elements, arguing that such reports may embolden adversaries and heighten public fear.
The Armed Forces further disclosed that troops are actively operating within forest areas across the region in pursuit of the kidnappers and in search of the abducted victims.
According to the statement, soldiers made contact with the criminal elements two days ago and have since reorganised to sustain the ongoing pursuit and rescue operations.
The military said the operations are being conducted jointly with other security agencies, local vigilantes and host communities to gather intelligence and clear forest corridors of criminal activities.
The Defence Headquarters assured residents of the South-West and Nigerians at large that security forces would remain relentless until all abducted victims are rescued, criminal networks dismantled and peace fully restored across the region.
