Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered an AK-47 rifle and other weapons during an operation against suspected criminals in the Old Oyo National Park, where temporary shelters believed to be used as hideouts were also destroyed.
The operation, conducted on November 7 and 8 by troops of Operation IGBO DANU II under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, also led to the death of a suspected criminal.
In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the Army said the troops, working with hybrid forces, encountered suspected criminal elements in the park on November 7.
The suspects reportedly fled after sighting the advancing troops, who subsequently recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine and a Dane gun from the area.
During a follow-up operation the next day, the troops discovered the body of one of the fleeing suspects, which the Army said confirmed the neutralisation of a criminal element.
The troops also destroyed temporary shelters believed to have served as hideouts for the suspected criminals, as part of efforts to disrupt their activities and prevent them from using the forest as a safe haven.
The Army said exploitation of the area was ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and stop them from regrouping.
Operation IGBO DANU II is part of the military’s ongoing counter-criminal operations within the 2 Division area of responsibility, targeting armed groups and criminal networks operating in forested areas.
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, where the difficult terrain posed challenges to rescue efforts.
They were eventually rescued on July 10, after 56 days in captivity, through an intelligence-led operation involving the military and other security agencies.
The Army had said the rescue operation targeted the kidnappers’ networks, informants and hideouts within the national park.
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 ground to prevent criminals from using it as a hideout.
The military said the latest operation was part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore security across its area of responsibility.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
