Oriire Attack: CDS orders security reinforcement in Oyo

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Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede

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…Deploys Drones as Troops Record Massive Nationwide Gains

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered a comprehensive security reinforcement across Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and surrounding communities following last week’s attack on schools in the area, which left several teachers, students, and children abducted.

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The directive includes intensified aerial surveillance using advanced drone technology and the deployment of specialised ground forces in close coordination with state authorities to restore security and track down the perpetrators.

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This was disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, who said proactive measures were already underway and yielding actionable intelligence.

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According to him, the military would maintain sustained pressure on criminal elements until those responsible are apprehended and normalcy is fully restored in the affected communities.

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Drone Surveillance, Ground Troops Mobilised

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Onoja said the CDS had directed the immediate deployment of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets, including drones, alongside reinforced ground operations in the troubled axis.

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He noted that the operation would involve close collaboration with local security structures and state authorities to ensure rapid response and intelligence sharing.

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Nationwide Military Operations Yield Major Results

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Beyond the Oyo incident, Onoja also provided a broad operational update for May, revealing significant nationwide gains recorded by troops across multiple theatres of operation.

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He disclosed that combined operations across the country led to the neutralisation of 317 terrorists, the arrest of 314 suspects, and the rescue of 221 kidnapped victims within the month.

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He added that troops also dismantled three illegal refinery sites, recovered 2,910 litres of petroleum products, and seized 93 assorted weapons, while 18 terrorists reportedly surrendered to military forces.

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Regional Operations Across Theatres

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Onoja said operations under various missions—including Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, Operation Fansan Yamma in the North West, Operation Savannah Shield, Operation Enduring Peace, Operation Whirl Stroke, Operation Delta Safe, and Operation Udoka—recorded sustained successes against insurgents, kidnappers, gunrunners, and oil thieves.

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He said the operations resulted in hundreds of terrorist casualties, mass arrests, large-scale rescues of abducted civilians, and the destruction of criminal logistics networks across the country.

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Strategic Pressure on Criminal Networks

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According to him, intensified air-ground coordination and intelligence-led operations have significantly degraded terrorist and criminal capabilities nationwide, forcing increased surrenders and improving civilian rescue outcomes.

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Onoja also highlighted the interception of arms supply chains, including gunrunning networks supplying terrorist groups across multiple regions.

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Defence Headquarters Reaffirms Commitment

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The Defence Headquarters commended troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifices in ongoing operations, while also paying tribute to personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

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It urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to sustaining operational gains.

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The military reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace, protecting civilians, and ensuring the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

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