The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered the deployment of specialised troops and aerial surveillance assets to Oyo State following recent kidnapping incidents in the region.
The military said the operation is aimed at restoring security and tracking down armed groups responsible for attacks and abductions across parts of the state.
Military Launches Reinforced Security Operation
Speaking during a briefing on military operations for May 2026, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the Armed Forces acknowledged growing security concerns in Oyo State.
According to him, the Defence Headquarters sympathised with affected families, residents and the state government over the recent wave of kidnappings and violent attacks.
He explained that the Chief of Defence Staff had directed a comprehensive security reinforcement involving advanced aerial surveillance platforms and specialised ground troops.
Troops Already Gathering Intelligence
Onoja stated that ongoing operations were already producing useful intelligence as security personnel intensified efforts to track down criminal groups operating within the affected areas.
He added that troops would maintain aggressive operations until those responsible for the kidnappings are apprehended and security is fully restored.
The military also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
Defence Headquarters Releases Operational Statistics
The Defence Headquarters disclosed that troops across different operational theatres arrested 314 suspects and neutralised 118 terrorists in May 2026.
It also revealed that security forces rescued 221 kidnapped victims during operations carried out nationwide.
According to the military, 18 terrorists surrendered within the same period, while troops recovered arms, dismantled illegal refining sites and seized thousands of litres of petroleum products.
Recent Oyo Attacks Raise Tension
Security concerns intensified in Oyo State after armed men abducted dozens of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
During the incident, one teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was reportedly killed.
Days later, gunmen also kidnapped two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan, increasing fears among residents over rising insecurity in the state.
