The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State was carried out by dislodged elements of the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorist group, clarifying earlier reports that referred broadly to unidentified criminal gangs.
According to military authorities, intelligence reports and ongoing operations indicate that the attackers were remnants of displaced terrorist cells attempting to regroup and sustain criminal activity outside their former strongholds.
The DHQ further stated that troops are intensifying surveillance and clearance operations aimed at tracking and neutralising these dispersed elements, who have continued to pose security threats in parts of the country.
He added that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to restoring security across affected communities and ensuring the safe rescue of all kidnapped victims involved in the incident.
Military authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing operations.

The Defence Headquarters noted that coordinated operations are being expanded across neighbouring forest corridors to prevent further infiltration by displaced terrorist cells.
It also assured that joint intelligence efforts with other security agencies have been strengthened to improve rapid response and reduce the risk of similar attacks in the future.