The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has dismissed claims that a terrorist base exists in the South-West, assuring the public that ongoing operations are focused on rescuing abductees and neutralising criminal elements.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, clarified the situation in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja. Major-General Onoja conveyed condolences from the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Olufemi Oluyede, to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as the families affected by the recent attack on schools in the Oriire Local Government Area.
Describing the abduction of innocent children and staff as reprehensible, he assured that the Armed Forces are deploying all necessary resources to secure their safe, unconditional release.
“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims,” he said.
Major-General Onoja urged citizens to remain calm and united, whilst continuing to support security agencies with credible information.
He noted that the military had previously conducted a comprehensive clearance operation in the Old Oyo National Park, neutralising criminals in the area. Furthermore, current intelligence does not support claims of any established or structured terrorist base in the South-West.
“The incident in Oyo State remains an isolated criminal act and does not indicate the presence of an entrenched insurgent structure in the region. The Armed Forces caution against narratives capable of creating unnecessary panic or emboldening criminal elements,” he added.
The defence spokesman disclosed that troops have already made contact with the perpetrators and are maintaining their pursuit through forest corridors.
Joint operations involving other security agencies and local vigilantes are underway to flush out criminals and restore normalcy. He emphasised that community cooperation and local intelligence remain critical to the rescue efforts.
