The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the recent abduction in Oyo State was carried out by terrorists who were forced out of other regions due to ongoing military offensives across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, the military dismissed reports claiming it described armed groups operating in the South-West as mere criminals. The DHQ insisted that the attackers involved in the Oyo incident were members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorist group.
According to the military, the terrorists relocated to the South-West after being displaced by intensified operations in other parts of Nigeria.
The DHQ explained that its earlier comments on security concerns in the region were intended to provide accurate intelligence and prevent misinformation and panic among residents.
It also reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding democracy, protecting citizens, and supporting elected authorities, stressing that it never downplayed the severity of the attack or the threat posed by terrorist groups.
Security forces, alongside other agencies and local stakeholders, are currently conducting operations to dismantle criminal and terrorist networks operating in affected areas.
The clarification comes after terrorists attacked Community High School in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting pupils, teachers, and residents. Several people were killed during the attack, while an abducted teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later confirmed dead after a video linked to the incident surfaced online.
