Nigeria, May 20 -- The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that terrorist groups have established a permanent operational base in Nigeria's south-west region, describing the recent attack and abduction of pupils and staff in Oyo State as an isolated criminal act rather than evidence of an entrenched insurgency.

Defence spokesperson Michael Onoja, in a statement on Wednesday, said the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, "extends his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, the government and people of Oyo State, and the entire nation" over the abduction.

He described the abduction of innocent children and staff as "a callous and reprehensible act that strikes at the heart of every Nigerian," assurin...