The Defence Headquarters has denied allegations that it downplayed the severity of the Oyo school kidnapping, stating that the attack was perpetrated by terrorists affiliated with the JAS group, a faction of Boko Haram. Military spokesperson Major General Michael Onoja clarified that the military never referred to the attackers as ordinary criminals, countering reports that suggested otherwise.
DHQ Clarifies Misleading Reports
In a statement released on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, described online reports as “mischievous and misleading.” He emphasized that the military's earlier clarification was intended to provide intelligence-based context regarding security in the South West, aiming to prevent misinformation and public panic.
“The clarification issued by the Defence Headquarters was solely to provide an intelligence-based context regarding the security in the South West, in order to prevent misinformation and public panic,” Onoja stated.
JAS Terrorists Behind the Attack
Onoja explained that the kidnapping in Oyo State was carried out by members of the JAS terrorist group, who fled from other parts of the country due to ongoing military offensives. “The recent incidence of kidnap in Oyo State was clearly perpetrated by terrorists of the JAS Group that have been dislodged from other parts of the country due to high intensity operations being conducted all over,” he said.
The military spokesperson stressed that reports suggesting the Defence Headquarters described violent terrorists as ordinary criminals were false. “It is therefore inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters, at any point, referred to vicious and violent terrorists as criminals,” Onoja added.
Commitment to Security and Governance
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to protecting democratic institutions and supporting constitutional governance across the country. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to supporting constitutional governance, protecting democratic institutions and working collaboratively with all levels of government to safeguard the nation,” the statement read.
JAS Group Expanding Southward
JAS, short for Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, is the original Boko Haram faction that began operating in Nigeria in 2002 before splinter groups emerged. According to the Defence Headquarters, the group is reportedly expanding its reach southward after facing high-intensity military pressure in the Lake Chad and Shiroro regions.
Troops remain deployed in affected areas, working alongside other security agencies and local stakeholders to tackle security threats. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in dismantling all criminal and terrorist networks threatening the peace, stability and unity of the nation,” Onoja concluded.
