The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has issued a stern condemnation of the recent abduction of schoolchildren and staff in Oyo State, describing the act as a “callous and reprehensible” strike at the heart of the nation.
In a statement released on Tuesday the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, assured grieving families that the full weight of the Armed Forces is being deployed to ensure the
safe and unconditional return of every victim.
The abduction occurred at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro- Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, all located within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
General Oluyede, speaking on behalf of the Armed Forces, extended his deepest sympathies to the victims’ families, the government, and the people of Oyo State.
Clarifying the Security Situation
In response to widespread media reports and the public speculation, the military categorically denied claims that terrorist elements have established a permanent operational base within Nigeria’s South West geo-political zone.
The Defence Headquarters clarified that
the recent incident in Oyo State was an isolated criminal act rather than a reflection of an entrenched terrorist structure.
According to the statement, previous clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park (OONP) had effectively neutralized the operational capacity of criminal elements in that corridor.
Current intelligence assessments do not support the existence of any structured or permanent terrorist presence in the forests or hinterlands of the region.
Ongoing Operations and Community Cooperation
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, cautioned against narratives that might cause unnecessary public panic or embolden adversaries. 
He emphasized that while recent criminal activities have been audacious, they do not constitute an established insurgent presence.
Troops are currently deployed and actively operating within the forest in pursuit of the perpetrators.
The military reported making contact with the criminal elements two days
ago and has since reorganized to continue search and pursuit operations. These efforts are being conducted in close coordination with other security agencies and local vigilantes, targeting forest corridors and ungoverned spaces.
The Armed Forces also emphasized the importance of human intelligence, engaging with the local populace to aid in the recovery efforts.
The military vowed not to relent until every abducted victim safely recovered, the responsible criminal networks are dismantled, and normalcy is fully restored across the South West and the entire nation.
