The Oyo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected bandits linked to the deadly attack on Old Oyo National Park that claimed five lives earlier this month.
The arrests followed weeks of intelligence-led operations after gunmen invaded the park’s administrative office in the Oloka area of Orire Local Government Area on January 6, 2026.
The assailants, who reportedly arrived on motorcycles and were armed with sophisticated weapons, launched a coordinated nighttime assault on forest rangers and other personnel, killing five people and forcefully freeing suspected criminals earlier detained by forest guards.
Police sources said the operation led to the arrest of the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the 10-man gang responsible for the attack, which occurred around 9:00 p.m.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and investigative teams and directed the Command Monitoring Unit to take over the investigation.
This resulted in the initial arrest of three suspects — Mohammed Dangi (52), Abubakar Abdullahi and Sheu Usman. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their roles in the attack and disclosed that the gang operated with five motorcycles.
Investigations revealed that the primary objective of the raid was to rescue arrested accomplices from the custody of forest guards, a mission the attackers successfully executed.
Further intelligence gathering and follow-up operations led to the arrest of four additional suspects on January 25, 2026. They were identified as Toro Malami (43), Usman Alhaji Ummaru, Laolo Muhammadu (22) and Usman Alhaji Isah (32).
According to the police, the suspects were arrested at different locations across the country following discreet surveillance and coordinated operations.
Those in custody are said to be providing useful information to security agencies, aiding efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Spokesman of the command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said operatives, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to ensure all remaining suspects were tracked down and prosecuted.
Ayanlade reassured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.
He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his support in strengthening the state’s security framework and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his strategic guidance.
“Oyo State will not serve as a safe haven for criminal elements. The police remain resolute in dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in security operations,” Ayanlade said.
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