Amanze Chinonye
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorists have established operational bases in South-West Nigeria, describing the recent attack on schools in Oyo State as an isolated criminal incident rather than evidence of insurgency in the region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said troops were intensifying efforts to rescue pupils and school staff abducted during the attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Onoja described the abduction of innocent schoolchildren and education workers as reprehensible, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces were deploying all available resources to ensure the victims’ safe and unconditional release.
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According to him, troops had already established contact with the kidnappers and were conducting aggressive pursuit operations across forest locations linked to the criminals.
“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims,” he stated.
The defence spokesman also disclosed that the military had earlier carried out clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park, where several criminal elements were neutralised as part of ongoing efforts to deny armed groups safe havens.
He maintained that intelligence available to security agencies did not support claims of any organised terrorist structure operating in the South-West, warning against narratives capable of creating 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 security operations involving other security agencies and local vigilante groups were ongoing to flush out criminal elements and restore normalcy in the affected communities.
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Onoja urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid rescue efforts and enhance ongoing operations.
“The Armed Forces will not relent until all abducted victims are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice, ” he added.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
