The Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of seven suspected members of an armed banditry gang linked to the deadly attack on Old Oyo National Park in Oloka area of Orire Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Command said the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led operations after the January 6, 2026 attack on the park, during which forest rangers and operatives of the National Park Service were brutally assaulted. Among those arrested is the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the ten-man gang responsible for the invasion.
Police recalled that the attack occurred at about 9:00 p.m. when the bandits reportedly stormed the park in large numbers on motorcycles, armed with sophisticated firearms. The assault resulted in casualties among park personnel and raised fresh concerns over security in the area.
According to the Command, the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation to identify other members of the gang and recover additional weapons used in the attack. The police assured residents that efforts are ongoing to dismantle the entire network behind the operation.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to restoring security across the state and urged members of the public to continue providing timely information that could aid ongoing operations against criminal elements.
