Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered an AK-47 rifle and other weapons after confronting suspected criminal elements inside the Old Oyo National Park, with a follow-up operation leading to the discovery of a dead suspect.
The operation was carried out on November 7 and 8 by troops of Operation IGBO DANU II, operating under the Army’s 2 Division in collaboration with hybrid forces.
According to the Army, soldiers encountered suspected criminals inside the park on November 7. The suspects reportedly fled after sighting the advancing troops.
Following the encounter, the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine and a locally made Dane gun.
During a subsequent search of the area on November 8, soldiers discovered the body of one of the fleeing suspects.
The Army said the operation also led to the destruction of temporary shelters believed to have been used as hideouts by criminal groups operating within the forest.
Military Intensifies Search for Fleeing Suspects
The military said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt their activities and prevent armed groups from using forested areas as safe havens.
Troops are continuing to search the surrounding area in an effort to locate the remaining suspects and prevent them from regrouping.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to improve safety and restore security across its operational area.
Old Oyo National Park Under Security Focus
The latest operation comes amid heightened security concerns over criminal groups allegedly using the expansive forested park as a hideout.
In May 2026, 46 pupils and teachers were abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and reportedly taken into the park. The victims were rescued on July 10 after 56 days in captivity through an operation involving the military and other security agencies.
In October, the Army announced plans to use the park as a military training ground to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the terrain.
The latest operation represents another effort to restrict the movement of suspected criminals and dismantle their hideouts in the area.
The Army has not publicly identified the deceased suspect or disclosed the precise location of the encounter within the park. It also did not provide further details about the recovered weapons beyond those listed in its operational report.
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