The Defence Headquarters has denied claims that terrorists now operate a permanent base in South West Nigeria following the recent attack and abduction incident in Oyo State. The clarification came as the Armed Forces intensified ongoing operations to rescue schoolchildren and staff abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area. In a statement signed by […]
The Defence Headquarters has denied claims that terrorists now operate a permanent base in South West Nigeria following the recent attack and abduction incident in Oyo State.
The clarification came as the Armed Forces intensified ongoing operations to rescue schoolchildren and staff abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by Major General Michael Onoja, the military described the attack as an isolated criminal operation and not evidence of an established insurgent presence within the South West region.
The statement noted that the Armed Forces had previously conducted successful clearance missions within the Old Oyo National Park, significantly disrupting criminal activities around the corridor.
Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, sympathized with the victims’ families and assured Nigerians that security forces are fully committed to rescuing those abducted safely.
According to the Defence Headquarters, troops have already encountered the criminals during operations and are maintaining pressure through coordinated search missions across forests and ungoverned areas.
The military also appealed to residents to remain calm and support security agencies with useful information capable of assisting ongoing rescue efforts.
It stressed that joint operations involving security agencies and local vigilantes would continue until criminal elements operating within the region are completely neutralized.