The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorist groups have established permanent operational bases in Nigeria’s South-West region, following the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns after armed criminals, suspected to be terrorists, kidnapped pupils from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Sunday.
In a statement issued on Monday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said current intelligence does not support claims of an entrenched terrorist presence in the region.
According to him, “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.”
The military warned against spreading narratives capable of creating unnecessary panic or exaggerating the strength of criminal groups.
DHQ further revealed that troops had earlier carried out extensive clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park, successfully dismantling the operational capacity of criminal gangs within the area.
The military assured residents that troops are actively combing forests across the South-West in search of the abducted pupils and those behind the attack.
According to the statement, troops encountered the criminal elements two days ago and have since regrouped to intensify ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.
“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 statement added.
The DHQ also noted that security agencies are collaborating with local vigilantes and residents to gather credible intelligence aimed at securing the safe rescue of the victims and flushing out criminal elements from the forests.
“The joint effort involving all security agencies and local vigilantes will ensure that the forests are thoroughly cleared of criminal elements and that lasting peace is restored to the region,” it stated.
The military high command conveyed the condolences of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to the families of the victims, as well as the government and people of Oyo State, describing the incident as “deeply painful and unconscionable.”
DHQ reaffirmed that the Armed Forces would remain relentless until all abducted victims are rescued, the criminal networks dismantled, and normalcy fully restored across the South-West and the country.
