Posted by Chinenye on Mon 09th Nov, 2026 - tori.ng
Nigerian soldiers have stormed Old Oyo National Park following reports of criminal activities in the area.
(Nigerian Army. Photo Credit: Punch News)
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a suspected criminal and recovered an AK 47 rifle during an operation at the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State.
The mission ran on 7 and 8 November 2026 and was carried out by soldiers from Operation IGBO DANU II, under the 2 Division, working with local hybrid forces.
On 7 November, troops clashed with suspected criminals inside the park, but they ran off when the soldiers advanced.
The soldiers found an AK 47 rifle, an empty magazine and a Dane gun.
The next day, a follow up operation turned up the body of one of the fleeing men.
The army also destroyed temporary shelters that were being used as hideouts.
The army said the operation is part of a wider effort to clear armed groups out of forests and stop them from regrouping.
Soldiers are still searching the area for the others who escaped.
The operation comes months after 46 pupils and teachers were abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May 2026.
The victims were taken into the national park and were rescued on 10 July after 56 days in captivity.
In October, the army took over the entire park as a military training site to stop criminals from using it as a hideout.