Abuja, FCT – By Prime Brief Media
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as unfounded claims that terrorists have established a structured base in the South-West, asserting that the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State was an isolated criminal incident and not evidence of an entrenched insurgent presence.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, addressed growing fears in the region following the attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. He acknowledged that criminals may seek to exploit forest reserves but insisted there was no credible intelligence to suggest the existence of a terrorist camp or base in the South-West.
"We are aware of the concerns. The military has previously conducted clearance operations in Old Oyo National Park and other forested areas. Current intelligence does not support claims of any structured terrorist base in the region. We are working with state governments and other security agencies to ensure the area remains secure," Onoja said.
The statement appeared aimed at calming public anxiety after Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, declared that Yorubaland was "under siege." The DHQ's position aligns with that of the Oyo State Government, which has described the attackers as bandits and kidnappers rather than ideologically motivated terrorists.
Prime Brief Media will continue to track security and rescue efforts across the state as this story develops.
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