The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered the deployment of special forces and aerial surveillance assets to Oyo State following recent kidnapping incidents in the state.
The CDS also directed 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.
Recall that on May 15, 39 students and seven teachers from Ahoro Esinle community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were abducted by armed men. During the attack, one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded.
Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Michael Onoja, who disclosed this, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria acknowledged the security concerns in Oyo State and expressed sympathy to the affected families, the government and residents of the state.
He assured residents that troops would maintain a relentless posture until the perpetrators are brought to justice and security is fully restored in the area.
Gen. Onoja, while briefing journalists on military operations conducted across the country in the last one month, said:
“The Defence Headquarters explicitly acknowledges the recent kidnapping incident reported in 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 Armed Forces of Nigeria view any threat to civilian peace as an intolerable affront to national sovereignty.”
He disclosed that ongoing operations had already begun yielding useful intelligence, adding that troops would sustain aggressive operations until those responsible for the kidnappings are apprehended.
According to him, “In immediate response, the CDS has directed 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.”
Giving an update on military operations nationwide, Gen. Onoja said troops arrested 314 suspects, killed 118 terrorists and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians across various theatres of operation.
He added that 18 terrorists surrendered within the period, while troops recovered 93 arms, dismantled three illegal refining sites and recovered 21,910 litres of assorted petroleum products.
He 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 terrorist surrenders.
The CDS commended troops for their “gallantry, tactical ingenuity and professionalism” across operational theatres and urged commanders to sustain the momentum while prioritising troops’ welfare and civilian protection.
He also called on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community collaboration had contributed significantly to recent operational successes.
Navy takes 1,500 civilians on Atlantic Ocean trip to mark 70th anniversary
By Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Navy has opened its fleet to no fewer than 1,500 civilians for a special trip to the Atlantic Ocean as part of activities marking its 70th anniversary celebration.
The event, tagged “Ship Open to Visitors,” featured the Navy’s strategic sealift vessel, NNS Kada, and two patrol vessels, DB Abuja and DB Lagos, which conveyed participants on the commemorative voyage.
The short voyage to the Atlantic Ocean, according to the Nigerian Navy, was designed to deepen public understanding of its strategic role in securing the nation’s waters while highlighting its preparedness and efforts toward ensuring maritime safety.
Speaking during the exercise, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, said the sea trip and open ship programme provided an avenue for interaction between the Nigerian Navy and civilians, while also allowing members of the public to demonstrate solidarity with the service.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy has evolved over the past 70 years into a formidable maritime force capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and protecting critical national infrastructure in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies.
Rear Admiral Mustapha noted that the Navy’s operational achievements have placed it among the leading naval forces in Africa, stressing that the service has continued to improve its capabilities through training, acquisition of platforms and partnerships with allied navies across the world.
He added that the Navy’s special forces had distinguished themselves in international engagements and operations, competing favourably with other elite forces globally.
The FOC further disclosed that the Nigerian Navy recently launched its first Marine Corps to strengthen operations in inland and coastal areas, especially in support of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts in partnership with the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force.
He described the Navy’s 70 years of existence as seven decades of professionalism, dedication and operational excellence.
Some civilians who participated in the open ship programme expressed excitement over the experience, commending the Nigerian Navy for giving members of the public the rare opportunity to board naval platforms and witness maritime operations firsthand.
The exercise, organised by the Western Naval Command, offered civilians rare access to naval platforms and operations, providing firsthand exposure to the service’s efforts in protecting Nigeria’s maritime assets, economic interests and critical national infrastructure.
Participants said the exercise helped deepen public understanding of the Navy’s role in national security and maritime safety.
