Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has refuted claims that terrorist groups have set up a permanent operational base in the South-West region, following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State. In a statement on Tuesday, Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, clarified that the attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area was an isolated criminal act, not evidence of a sustained terrorist presence.
The affected institutions include Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School. General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, condemned the incident as “callous and reprehensible” and expressed sympathy to the victims’ families, the Oyo State Government, and all Nigerians.
He assured that the Armed Forces are deploying every available resource to secure the safe and unconditional release of those abducted. The DHQ noted that previous clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park had significantly weakened criminal elements in the area, adding that current intelligence does not support the existence of any structured or permanent terrorist base in the forests or hinterlands of the South-West.
Troops are actively pursuing the perpetrators in forest areas, collaborating with other security agencies, local vigilantes, and community members providing human intelligence. The Defence Headquarters urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security forces, vowing to continue operations until all victims are rescued and criminal networks are dismantled.