DHQ Dismisses Terrorist Base Claims in South-West, Intensifies Rescue Operations in Oyo

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims that terrorists have established operational bases in South-West Nigeria, following the recent attack and abduction of pupils and staff in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the attack on schools in the area was an isolated criminal act and not evidence of an entrenched terrorist structure in the region.

The Defence Headquarters stated that the Armed Forces had earlier conducted clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park, successfully disrupting criminal activities within the corridor.

According to the military, current intelligence does not support claims that any permanent terrorist base exists in the forests or hinterlands of the South-West.

The military warned against spreading narrativescapable of causing panic among residents or exaggerating the capabilities of criminal groups.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, extended condolences to families of victims affected by the attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area.

He described the abduction of innocent children and school staff as cruel and unacceptable, assuring families that security forces are intensifying efforts to secure the safe return of all abducted victims.

The Defence Headquarters said troops are currently conducting operations within the forests in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes to track down the perpetrators.

The military added that troops recently made contact with the criminals and have continuedsearch-and-rescue operations across the affected areas.

It also appealed to residents to support security agencies with credible information, assuring Nigerians that operations would continue until all victims are rescued and normalcy fully restored to the region.