No terrorist stronghold exists in South-West, DHQ says
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorist groups have established a permanent operational base in Nigeria’s South-West region, describing recent claims as misleading and capable of creating unnecessary panic among residents.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said the recent abduction attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were “an isolated criminal act” and not evidence of an entrenched insurgent presence in the region.
“The incident was an isolated criminal act and does not reflect the existence of any entrenched terrorist structure in the region,” the statement read.
The military stressed that comprehensive clearance operations had earlier been conducted in the Old Oyo National Park corridor, significantly weakening the operational capabilities of criminal elements operating 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,” Onoja stated.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, also extended condolences to the families of victims affected by the attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School in Oyo State.
General Oluyede described the abduction of pupils and staff as “a callous and reprehensible act that strikes at the heart of every Nigerian,” assuring families that security forces were working tirelessly to secure the safe return of all abducted victims.
According to the DHQ, troops are actively conducting search-and-rescue operations across forest corridors in the South-West and recently made contact with the perpetrators.
“Troops made contact with the criminal elements two days ago, have since reorganized, and are continuing the search and pursuit operations with full determination,” the statement added.
Background
The statement follows growing public concern over insecurity in parts of South-West Nigeria after gunmen attacked several schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting pupils and staff members. The incident sparked fears of an expanding terrorist presence beyond Nigeria’s traditional conflict zones in the North-East and North-West. Security authorities, however, insist that while criminal gangs remain active in some forest areas, there is no evidence of a permanent terrorist base operating within the South-West region.
