Seven Arrested Over Deadly Attack on Old Oyo National Park

…As Suspects include alleged mastermind of January 6 armed banditry attack that claimed five lives

Oyo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of a notorious armed banditry gang in connection with the deadly attack on Old Oyo National Park, Orire Local Government Area, which claimed five lives earlier this month.

This was disclosed by the Public Relations Officer of Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka through statement released to public.

According to the statement, the suspects include the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the ten-man gang responsible for the violent assault on forest rangers and National Park operatives.

The attack occurred on January 6, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. when armed men, reportedly riding on motorcycles and carrying sophisticated firearms, stormed the Old Oyo National Park office and opened fire on personnel on duty. Five persons were killed during the incident.

Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, ordered the immediate deployment of operational assets to the area and directed the Command Monitoring Unit to take over investigations.

The directive led to an intensive intelligence-driven operation across multiple locations in the country.

Police sources confirmed that three suspects were initially arrested and later identified as Mohammed Dangi (52), Abubakar Abdullahi, and Sheu Usman.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to participating in the attack and disclosed that ten members of the gang carried out the operation using five motorcycles.

Investigations revealed that the primary objective of the attack was to forcibly release members of the gang who had earlier been arrested and were being held by forest guards for criminal activities within the National Park and surrounding communities.

Further intelligence gathering 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).

The police said the arrested suspects have continued to provide credible intelligence that is aiding ongoing efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

Security operatives, in collaboration with other agencies, are intensifying efforts to ensure all remaining suspects are brought to justice.

The Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging 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 framework, as well as to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his leadership and operational guidance.

The statement reiterated that Oyo State will not be allowed to serve as a safe haven for criminal elements and reaffirmed their resolve to combat all forms of criminality in the state.