Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Police in Oyo State, Nigeria, have confirmed the arrest of seven suspected members of an armed banditry gang in connection with a deadly attack on the Old Oyo National Park in the Oloka area of Orire Local Government Area that left five people dead earlier this month. The arrests represent a significant development in the ongoing security operation and are part of a broader effort to dismantle the network believed responsible for one of the most violent incidents in the region in recent months.
According to a statement issued by the Oyo State Police Command, the suspects are believed to be part of a larger 10‑member group that carried out the attack on the night of January 6, 2026. The armed assailants reportedly arrived on motorcycles around 21:00 local time, equipped with sophisticated firearms, and forcibly overpowered forest rangers and other personnel at the park’s administrative post. The resulting assault claimed the lives of five individuals, whose deaths have heightened concerns about banditry and cross‑border criminal activity in southwestern Nigeria.
The police identified the suspects through an “intelligence‑driven operation” ordered by the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna. Initial arrests of three individuals provided actionable intelligence that led investigators to four additional suspects, who were apprehended on January 25, 2026, in various locations across the country. Among those detained is the alleged mastermind and ringleader of the attack, according to the police statement, though authorities have not released further details about the command structure of the gang or whether any formal charges have yet been filed.
The suspects named by police include Mohammed Dangi, 52; Abubakar Abdullahi; Sheu Usman; Toro Malami, 43; Usman Alhaji Ummaru; Laolo Muhammadu, 22; and Usman Alhaji Isah, 32. During interrogation, the detainees reportedly provided detailed accounts of the assault, including the gang’s motive and operational methods. Investigators say the primary objective of the January 6 attack was to free members of the gang previously detained by forest guards for criminal activities within the park and neighbouring communities, an operation that succeeded amid the violence.
The Old Oyo National Park, which spans a significant portion of northern Oyo State and extends into neighbouring regions, has long been a locus of ecological and security challenges. The park’s vast and forested terrain offers cover for illegal mining, poaching, and the movement of armed groups. Local authorities have previously voiced concern over the gradual erosion of law and order in and around protected areas, where limited state presence and rough terrain have created opportunities for criminal elements to operate with relative impunity.
In the aftermath of the attack, Governor Seyi Makinde visited the community to commiserate with the families of the slain forest guards and to reaffirm the state government’s commitment to enhancing security in vulnerable areas. The governor described the incident as a criminal act that must not go unpunished and reiterated plans to strengthen the presence of security forces in the affected region. Prior to the recent arrests, authorities had already detained three suspects linked to the attack and offered support to the bereaved families, including monetary assistance and educational provisions for the children of the deceased.
Security analysts and local officials have noted that the attack reflects broader trends of banditry and rural insecurity in parts of Nigeria. The use of motorcycles and coordinated assault tactics by armed groups has been seen in other regions where bandits exploit gaps in state capacity and respond to the arrest of their members with punitive operations. The decision to target park personnel and infrastructure underscores the challenges faced by conservation and security agencies operating in remote environments with limited logistical support.
Police authorities said the ongoing investigation is being conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, with the goal of identifying and apprehending remaining members of the armed group. The Oyo State Police Command warned against the dissemination of unverified information that might incite fear or undermine public confidence in law enforcement efforts. Officials also expressed gratitude to national and state leadership for operational support, emphasising that the recent breakthrough would not diminish broader efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.
Local residents in Orire and surrounding areas have responded with a mix of relief and apprehension. While the apprehension of suspected perpetrators has offered a degree of reassurance, many community members continue to express concern about recurring threats from armed groups and the persistent risk of future incursions. Farmers, conservation workers, and rural families in the region have long grappled with insecurity that disrupts livelihoods and limits access to critical services.
Human rights organisations and civil society stakeholders have urged authorities to ensure that due process is followed as the suspects are brought before the courts. They have also called for comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of banditry, such as poverty, inadequate policing, and limited economic opportunities, particularly in borderland communities that are most susceptible to criminal infiltration.
The Nigerian Police Force has stated its commitment to bringing all perpetrators of the Old Oyo National Park attack to justice, reinforcing broader reforms aimed at strengthening investigative capacity and community engagement. As investigations continue, residents and authorities alike are watching closely for further developments in the case and seeking assurances that additional measures will be taken to prevent similar violence in the future.
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