Oyo kidnapping carried out by dislodged JAS terrorists — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a strong clarification regarding the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, attributing the act to terrorists displaced from other regions due to intensified military operations. In a statement signed by Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, director of defense media operations, the DHQ identified the perpetrators as members of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorist group.

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The recent incidence of kidnapping 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.

This clarification comes in response to what the DHQ described as "mischievous and misleading publications" that misrepresented comments about the classification of terrorists and criminal elements in the South-West. The military high command vehemently denied any suggestion that it had referred to these violent terrorists as mere criminals. Onoja stressed that such interpretations were inaccurate and misleading, asserting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to combating terrorism and protecting citizens.

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It is therefore inaccurate and misleading to suggest that the Defence Headquarters, at any point, referred to vicious and violent terrorists as criminals.

The DHQ emphasized that its earlier statements were intended to provide intelligence-based context and prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic. The military assured the public of its unwavering resolve to dismantle all criminal and terrorist networks threatening the nation's peace, stability, and unity. Troops are actively deployed across affected areas, collaborating with other security agencies and local stakeholders to achieve this objective. The statement also reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to supporting constitutional governance and protecting democratic institutions, ensuring that the gravity of heinous crimes committed by terrorist elements is not diminished.

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The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in dismantling all criminal and terrorist networks threatening the peace, stability and unity of the nation.