Chief of Defence Staff Deploys Sophisticated Drones, Special Forces Over Oyo Kidnappings; Operational Command to Eliminate Terrorists or Otherwise Remains Undisclosed
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered the deployment of sophisticated drones and special forces to Oyo State following a recent wave of kidnapping incidents in the state.
The directive comes amid intensified efforts to curb insecurity, with military authorities assuring residents of sustained operations until perpetrators are tracked down and peace is restored.
Speaking during a briefing on the Armed Forces’ operational activities for May, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully aware of the security situation in Oyo State and has expressed sympathy to victims and their families.
“The Defence Headquarters explicitly acknowledges the recent kidnapping incident reported within Oyo State,” Onoja said.
He explained that the CDS has ordered a comprehensive reinforcement of operations in the affected areas, including the deployment of sophisticated drones for aerial surveillance alongside specialised ground troops working in coordination with relevant state authorities.
According to him, the operational command structure guiding the mission has not been fully disclosed, though it is expected to oversee counter-terrorism operations, intelligence gathering, and possible engagement strategies depending on field developments.
“In immediate response, the CDS has directed a comprehensive security reinforcement across the general area, utilising sophisticated drones and mobilising specialised ground forces in close coordination with state authorities,” he said.
Onoja added that troops will maintain sustained pressure on criminal elements until they are neutralised or apprehended.
He also disclosed that nationwide military operations in May resulted in the arrest of 314 suspects, the killing of 118 terrorists, and the rescue of 221 kidnapped civilians across various theatres of operation.
During the same period, 18 terrorists reportedly surrendered, while troops recovered 93 weapons, dismantled three illegal refining sites, and seized over 21,000 litres of petroleum products.
The Defence Headquarters described the overall operational picture between March and May 2026 as mixed, noting improvements in arrests, civilian rescues, and surrenders, even as battlefield outcomes fluctuated.
The CDS commended troops for their professionalism and operational effectiveness, urging continued momentum while prioritising civilian protection and troop welfare. He also called on Nigerians to support security agencies with credible intelligence.
The renewed deployment follows a series of violent incidents in Oyo State, including the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in the Ahoro Esinele community of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. One teacher was killed during the attack, while another was reportedly beheaded in captivity.
Authorities later confirmed the attackers were JAS-linked terrorists displaced from the North-East.
Shortly after, another kidnapping incident in Ibadan saw two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria abducted, further heightening security concerns across the state.
Meanwhile, The Oyo State Police command has recorded success in the fight against recent kidnappings in the state with 8 suspects already in custody while further investigations are ongoing.