WED MAY 20 2026-theGBJournal| The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, has reaffirmed that there is no evidence of an established terrorist stronghold in the South West region, dismissing recent reports and public speculation that insurgent groups have gained a permanent foothold following the recent attack in Oyo State.
The Defence Chief stressed that the attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while unfortunate, remains an isolated criminal act and should not be interpreted as proof of an entrenched terrorist network operating within the region.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the Armed Forces had previously carried out an extensive clearance operation across the Old Oyo National Park (OONP), successfully dismantling and neutralising criminal camps and disrupting the activities of armed elements within the corridor.
The military further noted that current intelligence assessments do not indicate the presence of any organised or permanent terrorist base within the forests or hinterlands of the South West.
While acknowledging that criminal groups may still attempt sporadic attacks, the Defence Headquarters cautioned against exaggerated narratives capable of creating unnecessary public fear or inadvertently amplifying the perceived strength and reach of criminal actors.
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