The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed the deployment of advanced aerial surveillance assets and special forces to Oyo State following recent kidnapping incidents in the state.
Gen. Oluyede assured the residents that the troops would maintain a relentless posture until the perpetrators were brought to account and the region’s security was restored.
Through the director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, who briefed Journalists yesterday on the military’s activities for May, the CDS said the Armed Forces of Nigeria acknowledged the security concerns in Oyo State and expressed sympathy with the affected families, the government and residents of the state.
He said, “The Defence Headquarters explicitly acknowledges the recent kidnapping incident reported within Oyo State. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. 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, ” he said.
He said Gen. Oluyede had directed a comprehensive security reinforcement in the affected areas through the deployment of advanced aerial surveillance platforms and specialised ground troops working in collaboration with relevant state authorities.
He noted that ongoing operations had started yielding useful intelligence, adding that the troops would sustain aggressive operations until those responsible for the kidnappings are apprehended.
Onoja said, “In immediate response, the CDS has directed a comprehensive security reinforcement across the general area, utilising advanced aerial surveillance assets and mobilising specialised ground forces in close coordination with state authorities.
“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,” the media director said.
The Defence Headquarters described the operational performance for March, April and May as mixed, noting a reduction in the number of terrorists neutralised and arms recovered, but an increase in arrests, civilian rescues and terrorists surrendering.
The CDS commended the troops for their “gallantry, tactical ingenuity and professionalism” across operational theatres and urged their commanders to sustain the momentum while prioritising troops’ welfare and civilian protection.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community collaboration had contributed significantly to recent operational successes.
