The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting the existence of a terrorist base in the South-West, insisting that ongoing military operations are targeted at rescuing abducted victims and tracking criminal elements behind recent attacks in Oyo State.
The clarification was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja.
DHQ reacts to Oyo school attack
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had sympathised with the government and people of Oyo State following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
He condemned the attack on the affected schools, describing the abduction of innocent children and education workers as criminal and unacceptable.
According to him, the Armed Forces have already deployed personnel and operational resources to ensure the victims are rescued safely.
“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims,” he said.
“No terrorist base in South-West”
The defence spokesman maintained that intelligence available to security agencies does not support claims of an organised terrorist structure operating in the South-West region.
According to him, previous clearance operations carried out within the Old Oyo National Park had already neutralised criminal elements operating around the area.
“The incident in Oyo State remains an isolated criminal act and does not indicate the presence of an entrenched insurgent structure in the region,” Onoja stated.
He warned against spreading narratives capable of creating panic or emboldening criminal groups.
Troops tracking abductors
Onoja further disclosed that troops had established contact with the abductors and were currently sustaining pursuit operations across forest routes linked to the attack.
He said joint operations involving other security agencies and local vigilante groups were ongoing to flush out criminal elements and restore normalcy in affected communities.
The military also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to aid rescue operations.
“The Armed Forces will not relent until all abducted victims are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice,” he added.