Defence HQ Rejects Terrorist Base Claims in Southwest, Steps Up Oyo Hunt

The Defence Headquarters says military operations are ongoing in Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and staff from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, while rejecting claims that terrorists have established a permanent base in the South-West.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, extended condolences to families of victims and the people of Oyo State, describing the attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School as “callous and reprehensible.”

He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces are intensifying search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of all abducted victims.

“We are bringing the full weight of the Armed Forces to bear to ensure the safe and unconditional return of every abducted victim,” Oluyede said.

The military also dismissed reports suggesting a permanent terrorist base in the South-West, saying intelligence assessments do not support such claims.

It said the attack was an isolated criminal incident and not evidence of an entrenched insurgent presence in the region.

“The incident does not reflect the existence of any permanent terrorist structure in the South-West,” the Defence Headquarters said in a statement.

The military noted that earlier clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park had disrupted criminal activity in the area, adding that ongoing intelligence shows no evidence of a structured terrorist camp in the region.

Troops are currently conducting coordinated search operations across forest corridors in Oyo State, working alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes.

According to the Defence Headquarters, troops have made contact with the attackers and continue to pursue them, while efforts are underway to rescue the abducted victims.

It added that community intelligence remains critical to the ongoing operations and urged residents to cooperate with security forces.

The Armed Forces pledged to sustain operations until the victims are rescued and criminal networks behind the attack are dismantled across the region.