The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorists have established operational bases in the South-West, insisting that the recent attack in Oriire Local Government Area was an isolated criminal incident and not evidence of insurgency in the region. The military said ongoing operations were focused on rescuing victims abducted during the attack on schools in the area.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja described the kidnapping of innocent pupils and school staff as reprehensible. He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces were deploying all available resources to secure the victims’ safe and unconditional release.
According to Onoja, troops have already established contact with the kidnappers and are carrying out aggressive pursuit operations across forest locations believed to be hiding spots for the criminals. He stated that the military was committed to applying the full weight of its operational capacity to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed.
The defence spokesman also disclosed that the military had earlier conducted clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park, where several criminal elements were neutralised. He noted that the operations formed part of wider security efforts aimed at preventing criminal groups from gaining footholds in the region.
Onoja stressed that intelligence assessments available to security agencies do not support claims of any organised terrorist structure operating within the South-West. He warned against spreading narratives capable of creating fear or panic among residents, maintaining that the incident in Oyo State should not be interpreted as evidence of entrenched insurgency.
He added that joint operations involving other security agencies and local vigilante groups were ongoing to flush out criminal elements and restore peace to affected communities. The military also urged residents to continue providing credible information that could support rescue efforts, assuring the public that those responsible for the abduction would be brought to justice.
Elijah Adeyemi
No comments:
Post a Comment