Oyo abduction: No Terrorist Base in South‑west, Says DHQ as Search Intensifies

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports that terrorist groups have established a permanent operational base in Nigeria’s south‑west region, describing the recent attack and abduction of pupils and staff in Oyo State as an isolated criminal act.

Defence spokesperson Michael Onoja said troops have made contact with the abductors and are actively pursuing them across forest corridors. The military is engaging local communities for intelligence and has deployed intensive joint operations involving other security agencies and vigilantes.

Key Points:

The denial of a permanent terrorist base aims to prevent panic and exaggerated perceptions of insurgent strength.
Families of the abducted pupils are left waiting as search operations continue in the Old Oyo National Park area.
Contact with the criminals suggests the military may be closing in, raising hopes for a rescue.
Community cooperation is critical; without local intelligence, tracking kidnappers in dense forests is difficult.
The DHQ’s reassurance may not calm residents who have witnessed repeated attacks in the region.

Sources: Premium Times, Defence Headquarters