- The DHQ also reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting democratic institutions
- The Defence Headquarters dismissed claims that it had classified terrorists in the South-West as ordinary criminals
- It further disclosed that troops remained deployed in affected communities alongside other security agencies
The Defence Headquarters has attributed the recent abduction incident in Oyo State to members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorist group displaced from other parts of the country due to ongoing military operations.
The military made the clarification on Thursday while responding to reports it described as misleading and inaccurate regarding remarks credited to the Defence Headquarters on the classification of terrorists and criminal elements operating in the South-West,Eko Hot Blog reports.
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In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, the DHQ said the perpetrators of the Oyo attack were terrorists forced out of their previous strongholds by intensified military offensives nationwide.
“The recent kidnap incident in Oyo State was carried out by members of the JAS terrorist group who were displaced from other regions following sustained high-intensity military operations across the country,” the statement said.
The Defence Headquarters dismissed claims that it had classified terrorists in the South-West as ordinary criminals, stressing that such interpretations misrepresented its position.
“It is incorrect and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters referred to violent terrorist elements as mere criminals,” Onoja stated.
According to the military, previous comments on security developments in the South-West were intended to provide intelligence-based clarification and prevent misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic.
The DHQ also reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting democratic institutions and supporting constitutional governance.
“At no point did the Defence Headquarters seek to undermine any elected authority or downplay the severity of the crimes committed against innocent citizens by terrorist groups,” the statement added.
It further disclosed that troops remained deployed in affected communities alongside other security agencies and local stakeholders to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks threatening national security.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to eliminating all criminal and terrorist groups undermining the peace, unity and stability of the country,” the statement noted.
The clarification follows recent attacks in communities within Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed men abducted pupils, teachers and residents from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle.
The attack reportedly claimed several lives, while one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later confirmed dead after a video linked to the incident surfaced online.
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