The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops deployed around the Old Oyo National Park to intensify operations against bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the area.
Mahmuda gave the directive on Wednesday during an operational visit to the Forward Operating Base in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He urged the soldiers to sustain their operational tempo, clear the park and its surrounding communities of criminal elements, and prevent suspected criminals from using the area as a safe haven.
The army commander said he had been monitoring developments in the park and its environs, commending the troops for their efforts and achievements so far.
He also disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, was pleased with the resilience demonstrated by the personnel and encouraged them to redouble their efforts.
Mahmuda further praised other security agencies and local vigilante groups for their cooperation with the military, describing their joint efforts as evidence of effective collaboration among security stakeholders.
The GOC was received by the Commander of the 2 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Emmanuel Azenda, and the Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade in Oyo, Brigadier General Austin Obochi.
During the visit, he received operational briefings from the Commanding Officer of the 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, Colonel Godwin Akuve, and the Operations Officer, Major Osaigbovo Ero.
The visit underscores the military’s continued efforts to strengthen security operations around the Old Oyo National Park, an area that has attracted security attention over concerns about criminal activities and the use of forested terrain as a hideout.
