The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed fears that the recent attacks and abductions in Oyo State signal the emergence of a terrorist stronghold in the South-West.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Major General Michael Onoja, director of defence media operations, described the attacks as isolated criminal incidents rather than evidence of an organised insurgent network operating in the region.
The clarification follows coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and LA Primary School in Ogbomoso, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attacks reportedly left two people dead, while at least 45 schoolchildren, a school principal and several teachers were abducted. One of the kidnapped teachers was later killed while in captivity.
According to the DHQ, previous military operations carried out in the Old Oyo National Park had already weakened criminal groups active in the area.
Onoja said intelligence reports do not support claims that terrorists have established permanent camps in forests or remote areas across the South-West.
He warned against spreading narratives capable of causing panic or exaggerating the operational strength of criminal groups.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The DHQ added that troops, alongside other security agencies and local vigilante groups, are continuing search-and-rescue operations across affected forest areas.
Onoja assured families of the abducted victims that the military remains committed to securing their safe and unconditional release.
He also vowed that security forces would continue operations until those responsible for the attacks are dismantled and peace is restored across the region.
