The Defence Headquarters has refuted reports claiming that terrorist groups have established operational camps in Nigeria’s South-West following the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo.
The military authorities described the incident as a criminal act carried out by kidnappers and warned against spreading narratives capable of creating fear and panic among residents of the region.
Tension had risen in parts of the South-West after gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted several pupils and members of staff into nearby forests.
The incident triggered speculation that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram or ISWAP may have established footholds within forest reserves in the region.
However, in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, the military said available intelligence did not support such claims.
“The incident was an isolated criminal act and does not reflect the existence of any entrenched terrorist structure in the region,” the statement said.
According to the DHQ, troops had previously conducted major clearance operations around the Old Oyo National Park axis, significantly degrading the capabilities of criminal groups operating within the corridor.
“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,” the military added.
The Armed Forces stressed that while criminal groups have recently carried out coordinated attacks, their activities should not be interpreted as evidence of an organised insurgent network in the South-West.
The military also urged residents to remain calm and continue cooperating with security agencies as operations to rescue the abducted victims intensify.
General Oluyede sympathised with families affected by the attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.
He described the abduction of the pupils and school workers as “callous and reprehensible,” assuring Nigerians that security forces were fully committed to securing their rescue.
“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe and unconditional return of every abducted victim,” the statement noted.
The DHQ further disclosed that troops had already encountered the kidnappers during operations within the forest and had since intensified search-and-rescue efforts across the affected areas.
It said security agencies were also collaborating with local vigilantes and community members to gather intelligence and flush out criminal elements hiding within forest corridors in the region.
The military reaffirmed its determination to dismantle all criminal networks linked to the abductions and restore security across the South-West.
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