DHQ reveals Boko Haram link to Oyo school abduction as fresh details emerge
DHQ links Oyo school abduction to Boko Haram fighters
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that the recent mass abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State was carried out by members of the notorious terrorist group Boko Haram, officially known as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS).
The shocking revelation follows growing concerns about the spread of terrorism into South-West Nigeria after armed attackers invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted dozens of pupils and staff members.
The attack, which occurred in communities around Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle in the Ogbomoso axis, has intensified nationwide fears over worsening insecurity and the movement of terrorist factions from northern Nigeria into new territories.
DHQ Confirms Boko Haram Involvement In Oyo School Attack
In a statement released on Thursday, DHQ spokesperson, Major General Micheal Onoja, disclosed that the attackers responsible for the coordinated abductions were members of Boko Haram who had been displaced from their previous operational bases by sustained military offensives.
According to the military authority, the terrorists involved belong to the JAS faction, a formal identity of Boko Haram known for extremist violence and mass kidnappings across Nigeria.
“The recent incident of kidnap in Oyo State was clearly perpetrated by terrorists of the JAS Group that have been dislodged from other parts of the country due to high-intensity operations,” the DHQ stated.
The clarification comes days after Governor Seyi Makinde warned that increased military pressure on terrorists in the North-West was forcing armed groups to migrate southward.
How The Oyo School Abduction Happened
The attack occurred last Friday when armed men stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted at least 45 persons, including pupils and teachers.
Governor Makinde later revealed that 39 students and seven teachers were kidnapped during the operation. Tragically, one of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed while in captivity.
The governor also disclosed that security operatives involved in rescue efforts encountered explosives planted by the terrorists, leaving some personnel injured.
Security agencies have since arrested six suspects linked to the attack as investigations and rescue operations continue.
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Growing Concerns Over Terrorism In South-West Nigeria
The abduction has sparked intense debate across Nigeria, especially after reports suggested that terrorist groups may now be establishing operational bases in South-West forests.
However, the Defence Headquarters insisted that the Oyo incident should not be interpreted as evidence of a fully established terrorist structure in the region.
The military described reports claiming otherwise as “mischievous and misleading,” stressing that the armed forces remain committed to dismantling all terror networks threatening national security.
Despite the DHQ reassurance, intelligence reports and local sources have continued to raise concerns about extremist activities around the Kainji forest corridor, which stretches across parts of Niger, Kwara, and areas linked to Old Oyo National Park.
Who Is The JAS Group?
JAS, short for Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, is the original name of the group popularly known as Boko Haram.
The terrorist faction has been linked to multiple attacks, kidnappings, and violent insurgency campaigns across northern Nigeria for more than a decade.
Security analysts say the group’s movement toward forest regions connecting Niger State, Kwara State, and Oyo State may explain the increasing security threats in nearby communities.
Reports indicate that a faction led by notorious commander Mallam Sadiku relocated from the Alawa forest in Niger State to the Kainji forest after military offensives intensified in 2025.
The same faction has reportedly been connected to previous mass abductions in Niger and Kwara states.
Makinde Assures Residents Amid Rescue Efforts
Governor Makinde has appealed to residents to remain calm while security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims safely.
The Oyo State government says a joint security operation involving the military, police, local vigilantes, and intelligence units is ongoing across affected communities and surrounding forests.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security architecture in the state amid growing concerns over terrorism and kidnapping.
Meanwhile, Nigerians continue to demand stronger security measures, particularly around schools and vulnerable rural communities, as fears over expanding terrorist activities remain high.
FAQ
What happened in Oyo State school abduction?
Armed terrorists attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting dozens of students and teachers. The attack occurred in communities around Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle.
Who carried out the Oyo school kidnapping?
According to Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the attack was carried out by members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), widely known as Boko Haram.
How many people were kidnapped in Oyo State?
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that 39 students and seven teachers were abducted during the coordinated attacks.
Was anyone killed during the Oyo abduction?
Yes. One of the abducted teachers, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed while in captivity.
What did the DHQ say about Boko Haram in Oyo State?
The DHQ said the terrorists responsible were dislodged Boko Haram fighters fleeing military pressure in other parts of Nigeria. However, the military noted that the incident does not necessarily mean Boko Haram has fully established a base in South-West Nigeria.
What is JAS Group?
JAS stands for Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, the official Arabic name of Boko Haram. The group has been responsible for insurgency attacks, kidnappings, and terrorism across Nigeria.
Are terrorists moving into South-West Nigeria?
Security experts and local intelligence sources have raised concerns about extremist groups operating around the Kainji forest corridor, which connects parts of Niger, Kwara, and Oyo states.
What is the government doing about the Oyo abduction?
The Oyo State Government and federal security agencies have launched joint rescue operations involving soldiers, police officers, and local vigilantes to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.
Were any suspects arrested over the Oyo attack?
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that six suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction.
Why is the Oyo abduction significant?
The incident has heightened fears about the spread of terrorism beyond northern Nigeria and raised urgent concerns about security around schools and rural communities in the South-West.