DHQ Denies Existence of Terrorist Bases in South-West After Oyo School Attack

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims that terrorist groups have established permanent operational bases in Nigeria’s South-West, insisting that the recent attack on schools in Oyo State was an isolated criminal incident rather than evidence of entrenched insurgency in the region.

The clarification followed growing public concern and media reports suggesting that armed terrorist groups may have established strongholds in parts of the South-West after the mass abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

On May 15, armed attackers invaded three schools in the area and abducted 32 persons, including 25 pupils and seven teachers, sparking outrage and fears about worsening insecurity in the region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said intelligence reports did not support claims that terrorists had established permanent structures or organised insurgent camps within South-West forests.

“The incident was an isolated criminal act and does not reflect the existence of any entrenched terrorist structure in the region,” Onoja stated.

According to him, the military had previously conducted extensive clearance operations around the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding corridors, significantly weakening criminal networks operating in the area.

He explained that while criminal groups may still attempt attacks, such incidents should not be interpreted as evidence of a sustained insurgent presence comparable to the activities of Boko Haram or ISWAP in the North-East.

“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,” the statement added.

The Defence Headquarters warned against narratives capable of creating panic among residents or exaggerating the strength of criminal groups.

Military authorities also expressed condolences to the families of victims abducted during the Oyo school attack.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, assured affected families and the Oyo State Government that the Armed Forces remained committed to rescuing all abducted victims safely.

“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe and unconditional return of every abducted victim,” Onoja said.

He disclosed that troops were currently engaged in intensive search-and-rescue operations across forested locations in the state.

The military also said it was relying heavily on intelligence provided by local communities, hunters and vigilante groups familiar with the terrain.

Security forces believe community cooperation will play a critical role in tracking the kidnappers and locating victims hidden within remote forest areas.

The Oyo school attack has renewed concerns over the gradual spread of kidnapping and violent criminal activities into parts of southern Nigeria traditionally considered safer than regions affected by long-running insurgency.

Security experts have warned that pressure from military operations in the North-East and North-West may be pushing armed groups toward other regions, including forest areas in the South-West.

However, the Defence Headquarters maintains that the situation in Oyo should not be viewed as the emergence of a full-scale insurgency in the region.

Analysts say the military’s statement appears aimed at calming public fears while reassuring residents and investors that the South-West remains largely under government control.

Meanwhile, rescue efforts for the abducted students and teachers continue as security operatives intensify operations around forests bordering Oyo and neighbouring states.