By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the deployment of troops and surveillance assets to track down the perpetrators of the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja, while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military in the month of May.

Onoja said that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had expressed sympathy with the victims and their families, describing the incident as an affront to national sovereignty and public safety.

According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria has launched a coordinated response, deploying specialised ground forces alongside advanced aerial surveillance platforms in collaboration with state authorities.

He noted that ongoing operations had already generated actionable intelligence, assuring that troops would sustain pressure until the perpetrators were apprehended and normalcy restored.

Onoja also gave a comparative summary of military operations between March and May, indicating mixed outcomes across various theatres.

He said while the number of terrorists neutralised declined, there was an increase in arrests, rescued civilians, and insurgents surrendering within the period.

According to him, there is also a reduction in arms recovery, crude oil seizures, and destruction of illegal refining sites.

“The CDS has commended troops for their gallantry and professionalism, while extending condolences to families of personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“He charged commanders to sustain operational momentum, prioritise troop welfare, and maintain high standards in protecting civilians.”

The defence spokesman further urged Nigerians to support security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that community collaboration remained critical to operational successes.

He reaffirmed military’s commitment to ensuring a secure and united Nigeria.(NAN)