Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered an AK-47 rifle and destroyed suspected criminal hideouts during a security operation in the Old Oyo National Park.
The operation, conducted on November 7 and 8 by troops of Operation IGBO DANU II under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, was carried out in collaboration with hybrid forces as part of ongoing efforts to flush out criminal elements operating within the forest.
According to a statement published by the Nigerian Army on Monday, November 9, troops encountered suspected criminals on November 7. However, the suspects reportedly fled upon sighting the advancing soldiers.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine and a Dane gun.
During a follow-up operation on November 8, troops discovered the body of one of the fleeing suspects, confirming the neutralisation of a criminal element.
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The military also destroyed temporary shelters believed to have been used as hideouts by the suspected criminals, in a move aimed at disrupting their activities and preventing them from using the forest as a safe haven.
The latest operation comes months after the abduction of 46 pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The victims were reportedly taken into the Old Oyo National Park before being rescued on July 10, following 56 days in captivity.
In October, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, announced that the Army had taken over the entire park as a military training site to prevent criminals from exploiting the area.
The Army said troops were continuing to search the general area to track fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring safety across its area of responsibility.
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