The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vehemently dismissed reports suggesting that terrorist groups have established a permanent operational base in Nigeria’s south-west region. This rebuttal comes in the wake of a recent attack and mass abduction of pupils and staff in Oyo State, which the DHQ has characterized as an isolated criminal act rather than evidence of an entrenched insurgency. Defence spokesperson Michael Onoja stated on Wednesday that the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, extended profound sympathies to the victims' families, the Oyo State government, and the entire nation over the abduction. He described the abduction of innocent children and staff as “a callous and reprehensible act that strikes at the heart of every Nigerian,” assuring the affected families that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are deploying their full operational capacity to secure the safe and unconditional release of all victims. Nigerians were urged to remain calm, united, and cooperative with security agencies during the ongoing operations.

The incident, as reported by PREMIUM TIMES, involved terrorists invading two schools in the Yawota and Esiele communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, resulting in the abduction of at least 45 individuals, including pupils and teachers. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed the attack and tragically revealed that one of the teachers had been killed. The victims were reportedly marched into the protected forest of Old Oyo National Park. Governor Makinde, however, indicated his readiness to negotiate with the terrorists.

Amidst public reactions and concerns about the establishment of terrorist bases in the South-west, the Defence Headquarters reiterated that intelligence assessments do not support such claims. Mr. Onoja highlighted that the Armed Forces had previously conducted comprehensive clearance operations in the Old Oyo National Park corridor, effectively neutralizing the operational capabilities of criminal elements in the area. He emphasized that the latest kidnapping incident is an isolated criminal act and does not signify the existence of any entrenched terrorist structure in the region. He also cautioned against narratives that could create panic among residents or embolden criminal elements by exaggerating their operational strength.

Furthermore, Mr. Onoja disclosed that troops are actively deployed across the forests in pursuit of the abductors and in search of the victims. He added that contact had been made with the criminals two days prior, and forces have since reorganized to sustain search-and-pursuit operations. These efforts include intensive joint operations with other security agencies and local vigilantes across forest corridors and ungoverned spaces. The military is also actively engaging local communities for intelligence gathering, stressing that cooperation from residents remains critical for the safe and swift rescue of the abducted victims.

The tragic event has also elicited strong emotional responses, notably from Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham, who expressed intense grief and outrage. Taking to her Instagram page, the filmmaker conveyed her deep sorrow over the killings and abductions in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria. With strong personal ties to Oyo State, she described the tragedy as deeply personal, sympathizing with grieving families, traumatized communities, and parents whose children were forcefully taken. Abraham voiced her frustration over escalating insecurity, stressing that no child should fear going to school and no family should wake up to news of violence and bloodshed. While commending the efforts of security agencies and the Oyo State Government, she directly challenged the state government on measures to prevent future occurrences, appealing for urgent and decisive actions to secure captives and strengthen community protection. Her post underscored the need for unity, compassion, and collective responsibility, urging Nigerians not to normalize violence and to continue speaking up and praying for peace.

Adding a disturbing development to the investigation, the Oyo State Police Command is actively investigating a viral video allegedly showing the beheading of one of the teachers abducted during last Friday’s attack. DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed this investigation during an interview on Channels Television. While Governor Seyi Makinde had confirmed the killing of an abducted teacher, the state government had not specified whether the victim was beheaded. DSP Ayanlade stated that the police are examining the video, have identified the victim as the mathematics teacher, and are engaging with the victim’s family. He refrained from prematurely classifying the attackers as terrorists or bandits, stating that they are