Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has moved to calm rising fears across the South-West following widespread speculation that terrorist groups may be establishing permanent operational bases in the region. In a detailed statement issued on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the military firmly rejected such claims, describing them as inaccurate and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.
The clarification comes in the wake of growing public concern triggered by a recent mass abduction in Oyo State, an incident that shocked the nation and reignited conversations about the spread of insecurity beyond traditionally affected areas. According to the Defence Headquarters, while the attack was deeply troubling and unacceptable, it does not indicate the presence of a structured or entrenched terrorist network operating within the South-West geopolitical zone.
The military emphasized that its intelligence assessments and ongoing security operations do not support the narrative that the region has become a new hub for insurgent activities. Instead, authorities insist that the incident should be viewed within the context of isolated criminal behavior rather than as evidence of a coordinated terrorist expansion.
Tensions in the South-West escalated sharply after the events of Friday, May 15, 2026, when heavily armed attackers carried out a coordinated assault in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The brazen nature of the attack and the vulnerability of the targets contributed significantly to the anxiety that followed.
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Reports indicate that the gunmen struck three different schools in a carefully orchestrated operation. The affected institutions included Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School. The attackers reportedly arrived in large numbers and overwhelmed local defenses before carrying out their operation.
In what has been described as one of the most disturbing school-related incidents in the region in recent times, a total of 32 individuals were abducted. Among them were 25 students and seven teachers, all of whom were forcibly taken into nearby forest areas. The scale and coordination of the attack led to immediate fears that well-organized militant groups might have established operational footholds in the forests of the South-West.
The incident quickly drew national attention, with media outlets and security analysts raising alarms about the possibility of jihadist infiltration or the emergence of heavily armed criminal syndicates with long-term ambitions in the region. Some regional leaders also expressed concern, warning that the South-West could be facing a new and dangerous phase of insecurity if swift action was not taken.
Responding to these concerns, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, issued a strong rebuttal on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He acknowledged the seriousness of the Oyo attack but cautioned against drawing broad conclusions that could misrepresent the security reality on the ground.
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According to him, the military’s findings clearly indicate that the attack was a criminal act carried out by opportunistic elements rather than a sign of an established terrorist infrastructure. He stressed that there is currently no evidence to suggest that any terrorist organization has succeeded in setting up permanent bases within the South-West.
Major General Onoja explained that intelligence gathered from ongoing surveillance and field operations does not point to the existence of entrenched extremist networks in the region. He added that the Armed Forces remain vigilant and proactive, continuously monitoring developments to ensure that any emerging threats are swiftly identified and neutralized.
Part of the concern surrounding the alleged presence of terrorist bases has been linked to the vast and often difficult-to-police forest reserves in the South-West. In particular, the Old Oyo National Park has been mentioned in several reports as a potential hideout for criminal elements. However, the Defence Headquarters addressed this directly, stating that the area had previously undergone a comprehensive military clearance operation.
According to the military, that operation significantly disrupted and dismantled the activities of criminal groups that had attempted to use the park as a base. The Armed Forces maintain that the success of that intervention has continued to limit the ability of such groups to regroup or establish a lasting presence in the area.
While dismissing claims of permanent terrorist bases, the Defence Headquarters did not downplay the gravity of the Oyo abduction. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims, the Oyo State Government, and all those affected by the incident. He reassured the public that the military is fully committed to securing the safe and unconditional release of those abducted.
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Efforts to rescue the victims have been intensified, with security forces deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. Troops have been mobilized and are actively combing forest areas believed to be the escape routes and hideouts of the attackers. The operation involves ground forces as well as intelligence units working to track and intercept the perpetrators.
The Defence Headquarters revealed that security operatives have already made initial contact with individuals suspected to be connected to the abduction. Although details of these encounters remain classified for operational reasons, the development is seen as a positive step in the ongoing rescue mission.
The military is not acting alone in this effort. A coordinated approach has been adopted, bringing together various security agencies, local vigilante groups, and community members. This collaboration has proven crucial, particularly in gathering human intelligence that can guide operations in difficult terrain. Residents familiar with the local environment have been instrumental in providing information that could help locate the abducted victims and identify the criminals responsible.
Despite the reassurance from the military, security experts continue to urge caution. They note that while there may not be established terrorist bases in the South-West, the evolving nature of security threats means that no region can be considered entirely immune. The use of forested areas by criminal groups, even on a temporary basis, highlights the need for sustained vigilance and proactive measures.
Experts also point out that the tactics used in the Oyo attack reflect elements of asymmetric warfare, where non-state actors exploit weak points and operate in unpredictable ways. This makes it essential for authorities to maintain continuous surveillance and strengthen intelligence networks across all regions.
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In its concluding remarks, the Defence Headquarters called on residents of the South-West to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten fear and confusion. The military emphasized the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities promptly to security agencies.
The statement also reassured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to protecting lives and property across the country. While challenges persist, the military insists that it is fully equipped and prepared to respond to emerging threats and maintain stability.
As the rescue efforts continue and investigations unfold, the focus remains on ensuring the safe return of the abducted students and teachers. For many families, the uncertainty is deeply distressing, and hopes are pinned on the ongoing operations to bring a swift and positive resolution.
The situation in Oyo State has undoubtedly served as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing the nation. However, the Defence Headquarters’ position is clear that the South-West is not on the brink of becoming a new stronghold for terrorist groups. Instead, authorities maintain that with continued vigilance, cooperation, and decisive action, such threats can be effectively contained before they escalate into something more dangerous.
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