CDS deploys troops, drones to stop Oyo kidnappings

In response to a recent surge in kidnapping incidents, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered the immediate deployment of special forces and aerial surveillance assets to Oyo State. The military assured residents that troops would maintain a relentless posture to apprehend perpetrators and fully restore security in the region.

Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) acknowledge the security concerns in Oyo State and extended sympathy to affected families, the government, and residents. "The Defence Headquarters explicitly acknowledges the recent kidnapping incident reported within Oyo State," Onoja said, emphasizing that the AFN views any threat to civilian peace as an "intolerable affront to national sovereignty."

General Oluyede directed a comprehensive security reinforcement, utilizing advanced aerial surveillance platforms and specialized ground troops working in close collaboration with state authorities. Onoja noted that ongoing operations are already yielding valuable intelligence, and the military will sustain aggressive actions until those responsible are brought to justice. "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," he added.

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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.

The military also released operational statistics for May 2026, highlighting significant nationwide efforts. Troops arrested 314 suspects, neutralized 118 terrorists, and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians across various operational theaters. Additionally, 18 terrorists surrendered, troops recovered 93 arms, dismantled three illegal refining sites, and seized 21,910 liters of assorted petroleum products.

The Defence Headquarters described the operational performance for March, April, and May as mixed. While there was a reduction in neutralized terrorists and recovered arms, the military observed an increase in arrests, civilian rescues, and surrenders by terrorists. The CDS commended troops for their performance during this period.

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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.