The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered the deployment of special forces alongside aerial surveillance platforms to Oyo State following recent cases of abduction in the state.
The directive comes amid rising security concerns, with the military assuring residents that operations will continue with sustained intensity until those responsible are tracked down and neutralised, while stability is restored in affected communities.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, May 26, during a briefing on Armed Forces of Nigeria operations, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the military acknowledges the situation and stands in solidarity with victims and residents.
“The Defence Headquarters explicitly acknowledges the recent kidnapping incident reported within Oyo State. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, extends his heartfelt sympathy and solidarity to the affected families, the government and good people of Oyo State, reaffirming that the AFN views any threat to civilian peace as an intolerable affront to national sovereignty,” he said.
Onoja explained that the CDS had ordered a coordinated reinforcement involving advanced air surveillance systems and specialised troops working closely with relevant state authorities.
He added that early stages of the operation have already produced actionable intelligence, with troops intensifying pursuit of the armed groups behind the attacks.
“In immediate response, the CDS has directed a comprehensive security reinforcement across the general area, utilising advanced aerial surveillance assets and mobilising specialised ground forces in close coordination with state authorities.
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“Proactive operational steps are already yielding valuable intelligence, and troops will maintain a relentless posture until the perpetrators are brought to account and the region’s security is completely restored,” Onoja stated.
The Defence Headquarters also released its May 2026 operational report, indicating that 314 suspects were arrested, 118 terrorists eliminated, and 221 kidnapped persons rescued across multiple theatres of operation nationwide.
It further disclosed that 18 terrorists surrendered during the period, while troops recovered 93 weapons, dismantled illegal refining operations, and seized over 21,000 litres of petroleum products.
The military described overall progress for March to May as mixed, noting fewer neutralised terrorists and recovered arms but improved arrests, rescues, and surrenders.
The CDS commended troops for their professionalism and tactical effectiveness, urging continued focus on operational success, welfare, and civilian protection.
He also appealed to Nigerians to support ongoing operations with credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to security outcomes.
The latest deployment follows a string of violent incidents in Oyo State, including the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, where a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed.
Authorities later linked the attackers to dislodged JAS terrorist elements.