Military Deploys Special Forces, Drones to Tackle Oyo Kidnappings

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered the immediate deployment of special forces and aerial surveillance assets to Oyo State in response to a spate of abductions that have heightened security concerns across the state.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday during a briefing on military operations for May, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the armed forces view any threat to civilian peace as an intolerable affront to national sovereignty. He conveyed the defence chief’s sympathy to affected families, the state government and residents.

Onoja disclosed that a comprehensive security reinforcement is underway, combining advanced aerial surveillance platforms with specialised ground troops who are working closely with state authorities. He noted that proactive steps were already yielding valuable intelligence, and that troops would maintain a relentless posture until those behind the kidnappings are found and the security of the region is fully restored.

Providing a nationwide operational update, the military announced that 314 suspects were arrested, 118 terrorists were neutralised and 221 kidnapped civilians were rescued across various theatres in May. Additionally, 18 terrorists surrendered, 93 weapons were recovered, three illegal refining sites were dismantled and 21,910 litres of assorted petroleum products were seized.

The defence headquarters described the operational performance over March, April and May as mixed, pointing to a decline in the number of terrorists neutralised and arms recovered, but an increase in arrests, civilian rescues and surrenders.

General Oluyede commended troops for their gallantry and professionalism, urging field commanders to sustain the momentum while prioritising the welfare of personnel and the protection of civilians. He also appealed to Nigerians to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, noting that community collaboration had contributed significantly to recent operational successes.

The heightened security response follows a series of disturbing incidents in Oyo State. On May 15, gunmen abducted 39 students and seven teachers from Ahoro Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area, during which a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded.

The military later confirmed the attackers were dislodged JAS terrorists. Days later, two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria were kidnapped in Ibadan, further raising alarm across the state.