Nigerian Military Refutes Claims of Insurgent Presence in Southwestern Region
The National Defense Headquarters of Nigeria has dismissed allegations that a terrorist group has established an operational base in the southwest. Officials asserted that the recent abductions of students and staff in Oyo State were isolated criminal incidents, rather than indicators of a significant insurgent presence in the region.
Military Pursues Perpetrators of School Attack
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Mr. Michael Onoja, Director of Defense Media Operations, the military confirmed that its troops are actively engaged in pursuing the attackers responsible for the recent assault on educational institutions in Oriile Local Government Area of Oyo State. The military has already made contact with the assailants in the forest.
Condolences for Victims’ Families
The statement, which represented the views of Chief of Defense Staff Mr. Olufemi Oluyede, conveyed condolences to the families affected by the attack on the Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, Aholo Esanlu, and LA Elementary School. Mr. Oluyede condemned the abduction of innocent children and teachers as “callous and reprehensible,” emphasizing the military’s commitment to ensuring the unconditional release of the victims.
Comprehensive Military Response Initiated
The military pledged to deploy its full strength to guarantee the safe and unconditional return of all abductees. Authorities urged Nigerians to remain calm and to cooperate with security agencies as rescue operations unfold in the forest regions of the southwest.
Countering Public Concerns over Terrorism
In light of public unease following the Oyo school attack, the Defense Headquarters reaffirmed that intelligence assessments do not substantiate claims of organized terrorist hideouts in the area. Previous military operations in the former Oyo National Park have successfully disrupted the operational capabilities of criminal organizations, officials noted.
Clarifying Threat Levels
According to the military, the recent abduction incidents are isolated acts of criminality and do not indicate the existence of a profound terrorist organization in the region. They cautioned against spreading information that might incite fear or exaggerate the capabilities of criminal elements, warning of the risks posed by unnecessary public panic.
Continued Operations and Community Coordination
The military disclosed that troops sent to the affected areas had established contact with the suspected kidnappers two days prior and are actively regrouping for further tracking operations. Ongoing search efforts are being conducted in collaboration with local vigilante groups in areas where the suspects are believed to be hiding. Additionally, security agencies are enhancing coordination with local communities to strengthen intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at locating abductees and dismantling criminal networks in the region.
Commitment to Restoring Security Nationwide
The military reiterated its unwavering determination to restore security across the southwest and the entire country, pledging to continue operations until all abductees are rescued and those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
