The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of victims, the government and people of Oyo State, and all Nigerians following the tragic attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
General Oluyede described the abduction of innocent pupils and school staff as a cruel and reprehensible act that has deeply shaken the conscience of the nation. He assured affected families and the general public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are deploying every available operational resource to ensure the safe and unconditional rescue of all abducted victims. He further urged Nigerians to remain calm, united, and supportive of ongoing security operations during this critical period.
The Defence Headquarters also addressed widespread media reports and public concerns suggesting the existence of a terrorist enclave or operational base within the Southwest geopolitical zone following the recent incident in Oyo State. The military categorically stated that the attack was an isolated criminal act and should not be misconstrued as evidence of an established terrorist infrastructure in the region.
According to the defence headquarters, the armed forces had previously conducted extensive clearance operations within the Old Oyo National Park, successfully dismantling and neutralizing criminal elements operating within the area. Current intelligence assessments, it noted, do not indicate the presence of any structured or permanent terrorist base in the forests or hinterlands of the Southwest.
While acknowledging the audacity of recent criminal activities, the defence headquarters emphasized that such incidents do not amount to an entrenched insurgent presence. It cautioned against the spread of alarmist narratives capable of creating unnecessary panic among citizens or inadvertently amplifying the perceived strength of criminal groups.
The Armed Forces further reassured residents of the Southwest that troops are actively deployed across affected forest corridors and are intensifying search-and-rescue efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the abducted victims. Military forces reportedly made contact with the criminals two days ago and have since regrouped to sustain pursuit operations with renewed determination.
In collaboration with other security agencies, local vigilante groups, and community stakeholders, the armed forces are carrying out coordinated operations across identified ungoverned spaces. The military also stressed the importance of community cooperation and credible human intelligence in supporting ongoing rescue efforts.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security across the Southwest and the nation at large, assuring Nigerians that operations will continue until all abducted victims are safely rescued, criminal networks dismantled, and normalcy fully restored.
