The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims that terrorists have established a permanent operational base in Nigeria’s South West region following the recent attack and abduction of pupils and teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military described the incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as an isolated criminal act rather than evidence of an entrenched terrorist structure in the region.

The statement followed growing concerns after gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele communities, abducting pupils, students, and staff members.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and assured Nigerians that security forces are intensifying efforts to secure the safe release of those abducted.

READ ALSO:

According to the Defence Headquarters, previous military operations had already cleared criminal elements from the Old Oyo National Park corridor, adding that current intelligence does not support claims of any structured terrorist base in the South West.

“The incident does not reflect the existence of any entrenched terrorist structure in the region,” the statement noted.

He further warned against narratives capable of causing panic or exaggerating the strength of criminal groups in the state.

The military disclosed that troops are currently carrying out search-and-rescue operations across forest corridors and ungoverned areas in the zone.

It also revealed that security forces recently made contact with the suspected kidnappers and have since reorganised to intensify pursuit operations.

The Defence Headquarters assured that the Armed Forces are working closely with other security agencies, local vigilantes, and community members to gather intelligence and dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.