Oyo kidnap suspects are fleeing JAS terrorists, not ordinary criminals — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed what it described as “mischievous and misleading” reports claiming it downplayed terrorist activities in the South-West, insisting that troops remain fully engaged in offensive operations against fleeing insurgents and criminal networks.

In a statement issued on Thursday, by Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, the DHQ said it never sought to undermine any democratically elected official or minimise the seriousness of attacks carried out against civilians in the region.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to supporting constitutional governance, protecting democratic institutions and working collaboratively with all levels of government to safeguard the nation,” the statement said.

The military explained that its earlier clarification on security developments in the South-West was intended to provide “an intelligence-based context” and prevent misinformation and public panic.

According to the DHQ, the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by terrorists linked to the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction, who were displaced from other parts of the country following intensified military operations.

“It is therefore inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters, at any point, referred to vicious and violent terrorists as criminals,” the statement added.

The DHQ further stated that troops remain deployed across affected areas in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks threatening national peace and stability.

Background

Oyo State and parts of the South-West have witnessed a rise in kidnappings, armed attacks and incursions by suspected terrorist and bandit groups in recent months, raising concerns about the spread of insecurity beyond Nigeria’s traditional conflict zones in the North-East and North-West. Security agencies have linked some of the attacks to fighters displaced by sustained military operations against insurgent groups, including the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction, in other parts of the country. The recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo further intensified fears over the growing presence of armed groups in the region.