DHQ confirms there is no terrorist base in the southwest.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports that a terrorist base exists in the South‑West, stating that current military operations focus on rescuing abducted individuals and dismantling criminal networks.

Maj‑Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Onoja reported that Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede had expressed condolences to the government, the people of Oyo State, and the families of victims of the recent school attack in Oriire Local Government Area.

He described the abduction of children and staff as “reprehensible” and confirmed that the Armed Forces were deploying all necessary resources to secure their safe return.

“The full weight of the Armed Forces is being brought to bear to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims,” Onoja said.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm, united, and to continue providing credible information to security agencies.

Onoja noted that the military had previously carried out a comprehensive clearance operation in the Old Oyo National Park, eliminating criminal elements operating there.

According to him, current intelligence does not support the existence of an established or structured terrorist base in the South‑West region.

“The incident in Oyo State remains an isolated criminal act and does not indicate the presence of an entrenched insurgent structure in the region,” he added. “The Armed Forces caution against narratives that could create unnecessary panic or embolden criminal elements.”

The defence spokesman said troops had already engaged the perpetrators and were maintaining pursuit operations along forest corridors.

He added that joint operations with other security agencies and local vigilantes were underway to flush out criminal elements and restore normalcy.

He emphasized that community cooperation remains critical, noting that human intelligence from residents would aid ongoing rescue efforts.

“The Armed Forces will not relent until all abducted victims are rescued and those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.

(NAN)

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