The Oyo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of an armed banditry gang in connection with the deadly attack on Old Oyo National Park, Orire Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of five forest guards.
According to Naijanewshub, the suspects were arrested following an intensive intelligence-driven operation launched after the January 6, 2026 attack, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
The police said the attackers, numbering about ten, arrived at the park’s Oloka axis at about 9:00 p.m. on motorcycles and were armed with sophisticated firearms. They reportedly overran the park office, launching a violent assault on forest rangers and other personnel, resulting in five fatalities.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, psc+, ordered the immediate deployment of operational assets to the area and directed the Command Monitoring Unit to take over the investigation.
The police statement disclosed that three suspects were initially arrested through intelligence-led operations.
They were identified as Mohammed Dangi (52), Abubakar Abdullahi (adult), and Sheu Usman (adult).
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in the attack and revealed that the gang consisted of ten members operating on five motorcycles.
Investigations further revealed that the primary objective of the attack was to forcefully free members of the gang who had earlier been arrested by forest guards for criminal activities within the national park and nearby communities.
Building on information obtained from the suspects, police operatives arrested four additional members of the syndicate on January 25, 2026. They were identified as Toro Malami (43), Usman Alhaji Ummaru (adult), Laolo Muhammadu (22), and Usman Alhaji Isah (32).
The police confirmed that the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the attack is among those arrested.
According to the command, the suspects have continued to provide credible intelligence to aid ongoing efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
DSP Olayinka said operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified efforts to ensure all remaining suspects are tracked down and brought to justice.
The Oyo State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.
The command also expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his support in strengthening the state’s security architecture, as well as to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his leadership and operational support.
“The Command states unequivocally that Oyo State will never be allowed to serve as a safe haven for criminal elements,” the statement added.
