DHQ: No Terrorist Base Exists In South-West, Assures Nigerians

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, stated in Abuja that the incident remains an isolated criminal act and does not reflect the existence of any organised or entrenched insurgent structure in the region. He explained that the Armed Forces had previously conducted a comprehensive clearance operation within the Old Oyo National Park, during which criminal elements operating in the area were neutralised.

Onoja urged Nigerians to remain calm, united, and supportive of security agencies by providing credible intelligence, warning against narratives capable of causing panic or emboldening criminal groups. He further noted that current intelligence assessments do not support claims of a structured terrorist base in the South-West.

He disclosed that troops had already made contact with the perpetrators and were continuing pursuit operations across forest corridors, in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes to flush out criminal elements and restore normalcy.

The defence spokesperson emphasised the importance of community cooperation in ongoing rescue efforts, stressing that information from residents would be crucial to securing the release of abducted victims.

Reaffirming the military’s commitment, Onoja stated that operations would not cease until all abducted victims were safely rescued and those responsible brought to justice. He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had extended condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as families affected by the attack, describing the abduction as reprehensible and assuring that maximum effort was being deployed for a safe rescue operation.