Sequel to its earlier press release on the armed banditry attack at the Old Oyo National Park, Oloka area of Orire Local Government Area, the Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Command has recorded a significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of seven (7) members of the dreaded ten-man armed banditry gang, including the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the attack, responsible for the brutal assault on forest rangers and operatives of the National Park.
As earlier reported, the incident occurred on 6th January, 2026, at about 2100 hours, when the armed bandits, who reportedly arrived in large numbers on motorcycles and were armed with sophisticated firearms, invaded the Old Oyo National Park office and launched a violent attack on forest rangers and other personnel. The attack tragically resulted in the death of five (5) persons.
In response to this violent development, and upon receipt of the report of the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, psc+, immediately directed the deployment of necessary operational assets to the affected area and ordered that the Command Monitoring Unit take over the investigation. This directive marked the commencement of an intensive, intelligence-driven operation, which led to the initial arrest of three (3) suspects, followed by the subsequent arrest of four (4) additional suspects. The suspects were apprehended at their various hideouts across different locations in the country through painstaking, intelligence-led investigation.
Flowing from the arrests, the three suspects initially apprehended were identified as:
1. Mohammed Dangi – Male, 52 years
2. Abubakar Abdullahi – Male, adult
3. Sheu Usman – Male, adult
During sustained interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and provided detailed accounts of how ten (10) members of their armed banditry group, riding on five motorcycles, carried out the attack. Crucially, investigations revealed that the primary intention of the assailants was to forcefully free members of their armed banditry syndicate who had earlier been arrested and were in the custody of forest guards for various criminal activities within the National Park and adjoining communities, which they successfully did during the attack.
Building on these confessions and intelligence disclosures, further discreet investigation led to the arrest of four (4) additional members of the syndicate on 25th January, 2026. They are:
4. Toro Malami – Male, 43 years
5. Usman Alhaji Ummaru – Male, adult
6. Laolo Muhammadu – Male, 22 years
7. Usman Alhaji Isah – Male, 32 years
Significantly, the arrested suspects, which include the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the attack, have continued to provide credible and actionable intelligence, thereby strengthening ongoing efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. Operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to ensure that all remaining suspects are tracked down and brought to justice.
Against this backdrop, the Oyo State Police Command reassures the good people of the State that it is doing everything possible, in collaboration with other security agencies, to ensure the safety of lives and property across the State. Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from spreading unverified or misleading information, as such acts are capable of creating unnecessary panic and undermining public peace.
In recognition of the institutional support that facilitated this success, the Command sincerely appreciates the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, for his unwavering support, cooperation, and commitment to strengthening the security architecture of the State. The Command also appreciates the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, for his sustained leadership, strategic guidance, and operational support that ensured this success.
Ultimately, the Oyo State Police Command states unequivocally that Oyo State will never be allowed to serve as a safe haven for criminal elements. The Command remains resolute, proactive, and unwavering in its commitment to confronting, dismantling, and neutralizing all forms of criminality within the State.
For Emergencies, Contact:
Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615.
Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614 & 07055495413.
E- SIGNED
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
