The Oyo State Police Command has taken seven suspected bandits into custody over their alleged involvement in the violent raid on Old Oyo National Park that left five people dead earlier this month.
The arrests came after weeks of intelligence-driven operations triggered by the January 6, 2026 attack, when armed men stormed the park’s administrative office in the Oloka area of Orire Local Government Area.
According to police accounts, the attackers arrived at night on motorcycles, wielding high-grade weapons as they launched a coordinated assault on forest rangers and other personnel.
Five people were killed during the operation, while suspects previously detained by forest guards were forcibly freed.
Police sources disclosed that investigators have apprehended the suspected mastermind and ringleader of the 10-man gang believed to have carried out the raid, which reportedly occurred around 9:00 p.m.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and investigative units and directed the Command Monitoring Unit to assume control of the investigation.
This move led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Mohammed Dangi (52), Abubakar Abdullahi and Sheu Usman. During questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted their involvement and revealed that the gang operated with five motorcycles.
Investigators also established that the main aim of the attack was to free arrested accomplices from the custody of forest guards, a mission the gang successfully carried out.
Further surveillance and intelligence-led follow-up operations resulted in the arrest of four more suspects on January 25, 2026.
They were named as Toro Malami (43), Usman Alhaji Ummaru, Laolo Muhammadu (22) and Usman Alhaji Isah (32).
Police said the suspects were apprehended in different parts of the country through discreet monitoring and coordinated security operations.
Those currently in custody are reportedly cooperating with investigators and providing valuable information to help track down other fleeing members of the gang.
Speaking on the development, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said operatives, in collaboration with other security agencies, had stepped up efforts to ensure all remaining suspects were arrested and prosecuted.
He assured residents of the police’s resolve to protect lives and property, while cautioning the public against spreading unverified reports that could trigger panic.
Ayanlade also praised Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting efforts to strengthen security in the state and commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership.
“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.
