From Molly Kilete, Abuja 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.