The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorist groups have established a permanent operational base in Nigeria’s South West region, following the recent abduction attack on schools in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, described the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as “callous and reprehensible,” while assuring Nigerians that military operations are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and dismantle criminal networks in the area.
The military expressed sympathy to the families of victims, the government and people of Oyo State, following the attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the abduction of innocent pupils and school staff represents an attack on the nation’s collective conscience, adding that security agencies are fully committed to securing the unconditional release of all those kidnapped.
General Oluyede urged Nigerians to remain calm and cooperate with security forces as operations continue across affected areas.
The military also addressed growing speculation that terrorists may have established camps within forests in the South West. Defence authorities stated that intelligence reports do not support claims of an entrenched terrorist presence in the region.
The Armed Forces noted that a previous clearance operation carried out within the Old Oyo National Park had significantly weakened criminal activities in the corridor, insisting that recent incidents should not be interpreted as evidence of a permanent insurgent structure.
According to the statement, criminal groups operating in isolated attacks do not amount to an organized terrorist base, warning that exaggerated narratives could create unnecessary panic among residents and potentially embolden criminal elements.
The Defence Headquarters confirmed that troops are currently deployed across forest areas in pursuit of the attackers and in search of the abducted victims.
Military authorities revealed that security operatives had already engaged the criminals during recent operations and have since reorganized to intensify search efforts.
The Armed Forces added that joint security operations involving multiple agencies, local vigilantes, and community intelligence networks are ongoing across forest corridors and ungoverned spaces within the South West.
The military emphasized that cooperation from local communities remains critical to the success of rescue operations and broader security efforts.
Defence authorities reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that every abducted victim is safely returned, while promising to dismantle all criminal networks threatening security in the region.
