The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered the deployment of special forces and aerial surveillance assets to Oyo State following the recent wave of kidnappings and attacks in the state.
The military said the move is part of intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators and restore security across affected communities.
Speaking during a media briefing on the Armed Forces’ operations for May 2026, Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, said the Defence Headquarters sympathised with families affected by the attacks and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians.
According to him, the Armed Forces view threats to public safety as a direct challenge to national security and sovereignty.
Onoja disclosed that the CDS had directed a comprehensive reinforcement operation involving advanced surveillance aircraft and specialised ground troops working closely with state authorities and other security agencies.
“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,” he said.
He added that intelligence gathered from ongoing operations was already producing useful leads, while troops had been instructed to sustain aggressive operations until those behind the kidnappings are arrested.
The military also released operational figures for May 2026, revealing that troops arrested 314 suspects, neutralised 118 terrorists, and rescued 221 kidnapped victims across different theatres of operation nationwide.
It added that 18 terrorists surrendered during the period, while security forces recovered 93 weapons, dismantled three illegal refining sites, and seized over 21,000 litres of petroleum products.
The Defence Headquarters described military operations between March and May as producing mixed outcomes, noting a decline in terrorists killed and arms recovered, but improvements in arrests, civilian rescues, and terrorist surrenders.
Oluyede commended troops for their professionalism, tactical efforts, and commitment in various operations across the country. He also urged commanders to maintain operational momentum while prioritising civilian safety and troop welfare.
The CDS further appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remained vital to ongoing security successes.
On May 15, armed men abducted 39 students and seven teachers from Ahoro Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area.
During the attack, a teacher identified as Adegboye Adesiyan was killed, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded while in captivity.
The Defence Headquarters later stated that the attackers were members of the JAS terrorist group displaced from the North-East.
Days after the incident, gunmen also abducted two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan, further raising security concerns in the state.
