Seven Bandits Arrested Following Deadly Raid on Old Oyo National Park
Seven Bandits Arrested Following Deadly Raid on Old Oyo National Park
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested seven suspects linked to the January 6, 2026, bandit attack on Old Oyo National Park.
This breakthrough followed weeks of intelligence-led operations by combined security forces. The raid on the park’s administrative office in Orire Local Government tragically claimed the lives of five personnel and left others injured.
The assault was executed by a 10-man gang that arrived on motorcycles armed with sophisticated firearms. They overwhelmed the forest rangers under the cover of darkness to achieve their primary goal.
The attackers successfully freed several accomplices who had been previously detained by park guards for various criminal activities.
Following the tragedy, Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna deployed tactical units and the Command Monitoring Unit to lead the investigation. This rapid response resulted in the initial arrest of three suspects: Mohammed Dangi, Abubakar Abdullahi, and Sheu Usman.
They were tracked down at various hideouts across the country through intensive investigative efforts.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to planning and executing the deadly raid to rescue their detained syndicate members. Their detailed accounts provided the police with critical information needed to expand the investigation.
These confessions were instrumental in identifying the remaining gang members involved in the operation.
By January 25, 2026, follow-up operations led to the capture of four additional suspects, including the alleged mastermind. Those arrested were identified as Toro Malami, Usman Alhaji Ummaru, Laolo Muhammadu, and Usman Alhaji Isah. Seven out of the 10 gang members are now in police custody.
Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade stated that the suspects are providing intelligence to help track the three remaining fugitives. The command urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.
They remain committed to ensuring all perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
The authorities reiterated their resolve to dismantle criminal networks and maintain peace within the region. Emphasizing this stance, the Command stated,“The Oyo State Police Command states unequivocally that Oyo State will never be allowed to serve as a safe haven for criminal elements.”
