DHQ Dismisses Terror Base Claims In South-West
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Defence Headquarters, DHQ has dismissed reports claiming that terrorist groups had established operational bases in the South-West, insisting that the recent abduction of pupils and staff in Oyo State was an isolated criminal incident.
The clarification came amid ongoing military operations to rescue victims abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said troops were already pursuing the perpetrators inside forest corridors across the zone.
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The military disclosed that troops had made contact with the abductors two days ago and had since intensified coordinated operations with other security agencies and local vigilantes.
The statement stressed that available intelligence did not support claims that insurgents had established a permanent foothold in the South-West.
“The incident was an isolated criminal act and does not reflect the existence of any entrenched terrorist structure in the region,” the statement read.
The Defence Headquarters noted that troops had earlier conducted extensive clearance operations within the Old Oyo National Park, neutralising criminal elements operating in the area.
“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,” it added.
The military cautioned against reports capable of causing panic among residents or emboldening criminal groups by exaggerating their operational strength.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, condemned the abduction, describing the attack on the schools as “callous and reprehensible.”
Oluyede, who sympathised with the families of the victims and the Oyo State Government, assured Nigerians that troops were committed to securing the safe and unconditional release of all abducted pupils and staff.
“He calls on all Nigerians to remain calm, united, and cooperate with security forces during this critical period of operations,” the statement added.
