The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorist groups have established permanent operational bases in Nigeria’s South-West region, insisting that recent violent incidents, including the Oyo State school abduction, were isolated criminal attacks.
This clarification follows growing public concern after armed men kidnapped 32 people—comprising 25 students and seven teachers—during an attack on three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said intelligence assessments do not support claims that insurgents maintain structured camps in the region.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to categorically address recent media reports and public speculation suggesting that terrorist elements have established a permanent operational base within the South-West geo-political zone,” the statement read.
He stressed that the Oyo incident should not be interpreted as evidence of a sustained terrorist presence in the region, noting that previous military operations had already weakened criminal networks operating in forested areas, including the Old Oyo National Park.
“It is pertinent to state that the incident was an isolated criminal act and does not reflect the existence of any entrenched terrorist structure in the region,” Maj. Gen. Onoja said.
According to him, clearance operations carried out earlier in strategic forest corridors significantly disrupted the capacity of criminal groups 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,” he added.
The Defence Headquarters also cautioned against narratives that could heighten public fear or exaggerate the strength of criminal groups, arguing that such claims may inadvertently embolden perpetrators.
“Criminal elements, however audacious their recent activities, do not constitute an established insurgent presence,” the statement said, warning against “overstating their capabilities.”
Maj. Gen. Onoja further conveyed condolences from the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to families affected by the Oyo abduction, assuring that military operations are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe and unconditional return of every abducted victim,” he said.
He added that troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, are currently conducting search-and-rescue operations across forested areas in Oyo State, relying heavily on community intelligence.
“The Armed Forces is equally engaging the local populace for human intelligence, recognising that community cooperation remains an invaluable asset in the effort to recover the abducted victims safely and swiftly,” the statement noted.
The military assured Nigerians that operations would continue until the victims are rescued and criminal networks behind the attack are dismantled across the South-West and other parts of the country.
