By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede, has directed the immediate deployment of special forces and aerial surveillance assets to Oyo State following recent kidnapping incidents in the area.
The directive was disclosed in Abuja on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, while briefing journalists on ongoing military operations across the country.
According to the Defence Headquarters, the move is aimed at strengthening security presence in affected communities and ensuring the swift apprehension of those behind the attacks.
The military stated that both air and ground components have been mobilized in coordination with relevant state authorities, adding that initial operations have already begun generating useful intelligence.
It also noted that troops would maintain sustained and aggressive operations until normalcy is fully restored in the affected areas.
The briefing further revealed that recent nationwide operations in May 2026 led to the arrest of 314 suspects, the killing of 118 terrorists, and the rescue of 221 kidnapped civilians across different theatres.
Additionally, 18 terrorists reportedly surrendered during the period, while troops recovered weapons, dismantled illegal refining sites, and seized over 21,000 litres of petroleum products.
The Defence Headquarters described the overall operational performance as mixed, noting improvements in arrests and rescues despite fluctuations in other indicators.
The CDS commended troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain momentum while prioritizing civilian protection and welfare.
Security concerns in Oyo State have intensified following recent abductions, including students and teachers in Oriire and staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan.
