Oyo Attack: There Is No Terrorist Base In South-West — DHQ Assures Nigerians.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports claiming terrorists have established a base in the South-West, insisting that the recent attack in Oyo State was an isolated criminal act and not evidence of insurgency in the region.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the military was intensifying efforts to rescue victims abd¥cted during the att@ck on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Onoja described the kidnapping of innocent pupils and school staff as “reprehensible” and assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces were deploying all available resources to secure the victims’ safe and unconditional release.

According to him, troops have already made contact with the k+dnappers and are currently carrying out aggressive pursuit operations across forest areas.

“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe return of all abd¥cted victims,” he stated.

The defence spokesman also revealed that the military had earlier conducted clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park, where several criminal elements were neutralised.

He stressed that intelligence reports do not support claims of any organised t+rrorist structure in the South-West, warning against narratives capable of causing panic among residents.

“The incident in Oyo State remains an isolated criminal act and does not indicate the presence of an entrenched insurgent structure in the region,” Onoja said.

He added that joint operations involving other security agencies and local vigilantes were ongoing to flush out criminals and restore peace, while urging residents to continue providing credible information to aid rescue efforts.

“The Armed Forces will not relent until all abd¥cted victims are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice,” he added.