The Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has strongly dismissed reports alleging that terrorist groups have established operational bases in the South-West region, following the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.
Defence Headquarters maintained that such claims are inaccurate and do not reflect the current security situation.
The military also assured the people of Oyo State that ongoing security operations are actively underway to ensure the safe rescue of those abducted.
It further stated that efforts are being intensified to apprehend those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
In a statement issued by Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, extended his condolences to the families impacted by the incident.
The military leadership strongly condemned the kidnapping of pupils and school personnel from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle, and L.A. Primary School in the Oriire Local Government Area.
The incident was described as deeply troubling, with authorities expressing concern over its impact on the affected communities.
General Oluyede denounced the abduction, describing it as “a callous and reprehensible act that strikes at the heart of every Nigerian.”
He also reassured the families of the victims that security agencies were making every effort to ensure the safe rescue and return of those taken.
He also appealed to citizens to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as operations continue in the affected areas.
The Defence Headquarters stated that ongoing security assessments have not found evidence to support reports claiming that terrorist groups have established permanent camps or operational bases in the South West.
Authorities maintained that intelligence gathered so far does not indicate the presence of any entrenched terrorist infrastructure within the region.
The military stated that troops had previously conducted clearance missions in the Old Oyo National Park, successfully disrupting the operations of criminal elements active in the area.
The statement emphasised that although criminal groups may carry out occasional attacks, such incidents should not be mistaken for evidence of a coordinated insurgency in the region.
“It is important to clarify that the incident was an isolated criminal occurrence and should not be seen as an indication of a deeply rooted terrorist network in the area,” the statement said.
Military officials also cautioned against spreading narratives that could fuel panic among residents or overstate the capabilities of criminal groups.
The Armed Forces stated that troops are currently carrying out sustained operations across forested and hard-to-reach areas in the South West, working jointly with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that soldiers have recently made contact with the abductors and are maintaining coordinated search and rescue efforts within surrounding forest routes.
It also noted that intelligence from local communities remains vital to the success of the ongoing operations, urging residents to share credible information that could assist in locating and recovering the victims.
