DHQ Rejects Terror Base Claims In South-West

By Babatunji Wusu

The Oyo school attack has been described by the Defence Headquarters as an isolated criminal incident rather than evidence of organised insurgency in South-West Nigeria.

In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, Defence Media Operations Director Michael Onoja dismissed reports claiming terr+rist groups had established operational bases in the region. He stressed that intelligence findings do not support such claims and warned against spreading narratives capable of creating fear among residents.

According to the military, troops are intensifying rescue efforts following the recent att@ck on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The Armed Forces confirmed that several pupils and school staff were abd¥cted during the incident.

Onoja described the kidnapping as “reprehensible” and assured Nigerians that security forces were deploying every available resource to secure the victims’ release. He revealed that troops had already established contact with the k+dnappers and had launched aggressive pursuit operations across nearby forest areas.

The military also disclosed that earlier clearance missions in the Old Oyo National Park led to the elimination of several criminal elements operating within the area.

Officials maintained that the Oyo school attack should not be viewed as proof of an entrenched insurgent network in the South-West. Instead, authorities described it as a criminal act being handled through ongoing military and security operations.

The Defence Headquarters added that joint missions involving other security agencies and local vigilante groups remain active as authorities continue efforts to restore peace and rescue those abducted.

The Oyo school attack has renewed concerns about school safety, with the military urging residents to provide credible intelligence that could support rescue operations and help bring those responsible to justice.

Do you believe stronger community intelligence can help security forces tackle kidnappings more effectively?