The Defence Headquarters has linked the recent abduction in Oyo State to suspected members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad terrorist group, saying the attackers were displaced from other regions by ongoing military offensives.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the terrorists behind the attack in Oriire Local Government Area were forced into new areas following intensified operations across the country.
Speaking in a statement on Thursday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said reports claiming the military described terrorists operating in the South-West as ordinary criminals were misleading.
“The recent incidence of kidnap in Oyo State was clearly perpetrated by terrorists of the JAS Group that have been dislodged from other parts of the country due to high-intensity operations being conducted all over,” the statement said.
The DHQ insisted it never downplayed the activities of armed groups operating in the region.
“It is, therefore, inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters, at any point, referred to vicious and violent terrorists as criminals,” Onoja added.
The military explained that its earlier comments on security developments in the South-West were aimed at providing context based on intelligence assessments and preventing panic among residents.
The clarification follows the attack on Community High School in Ahoro-Esinle, located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed men abducted pupils, teachers and residents.
Several people were reportedly killed during the incident. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later confirmed dead after a video linked to the attack surfaced online.
The DHQ said troops remained deployed in affected communities and were working with other security agencies and local stakeholders to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks threatening national security.
The military also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting democratic institutions and supporting constitutional governance.
