The Oyo State Police Command has arrested seven suspected members of an armed banditry gang linked to the deadly attack on the Old Oyo National Park in Orire Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, according to the police, include the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the gang responsible for the January 6, 2026 assault on forest rangers and operatives attached to the national park.
The command said the attack occurred at about 9pm when armed men, reportedly riding on motorcycles and carrying sophisticated firearms, stormed the Old Oyo National Park office in the Oloka axis and launched a violent operation that left five persons dead.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the arrests followed an intensive, intelligence driven investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna.
He explained that immediately the incident was reported, the police boss deployed operational assets to the area and directed the Command Monitoring Unit to take over the investigation, a move that led to the breakthrough.
According to the statement, three suspects were initially arrested and later identified as Mohammed Dangi, 52; Abubakar Abdullahi; and Sheu Usman.
The police said the suspects confessed to their involvement and gave details of how a ten man gang, riding on five motorcycles, carried out the attack.
Investigations further revealed that the primary objective of the assault was to forcefully free some members of the syndicate who had earlier been arrested and were in the custody of forest guards for various criminal activities within the park and surrounding communities.
Building on information obtained during interrogation, operatives arrested four additional suspects on January 25, 2026, all within the age range of 22 and 43.
The police noted that the suspects have continued to provide what it described as credible and actionable intelligence, which is aiding ongoing efforts to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
DSP Olayinka said the Command Monitoring Unit, working with other security agencies, has intensified efforts to ensure that all those involved in the attack are apprehended and brought to justice.
The police command reassured residents of the state of its commitment to the protection of lives and property, stressing that Oyo State would not be allowed to serve as a safe haven for criminal elements.
It also warned members of the public against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or undermining public peace.
The command expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his support and cooperation in strengthening the security architecture of the state, as well as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his leadership and operational backing.
Residents were also advised to report suspicious activities through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll free line 615, or the police control room numbers.