Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered an AK-47 rifle and other weapons during a security operation against suspected bandits in the Old Oyo National Park.
The operation, carried out by troops of Operation IGBO DANU II alongside hybrid forces, also led to the discovery of the corpse of a suspected bandit and the destruction of temporary shelters believed to have been used as hideouts by criminal elements.
According to an operational report, the incident occurred on Saturday, November 7, 2026, when troops conducting security operations within the park made contact with suspected armed criminals.
The report stated that the suspected bandits fled after sighting the advancing soldiers, prompting the troops to intensify their search of the surrounding area.
During the operation, the soldiers recovered an AK-47 rifle with registration number 14907, an empty magazine and a locally made Dane gun.
The recovery of the weapons is considered significant to the ongoing efforts to prevent criminal groups from using the park as a base for attacks and other illegal activities.
In a follow-up operation conducted on Sunday, November 8, the troops discovered the corpse of a suspected bandit within the area.
The military personnel also identified and destroyed temporary shelters believed to have served as camps and hideouts for the suspected criminals.
The report said the follow-up operation did not result in further contact with the armed group, while troops continued searching the area for other suspected criminals and additional weapons.
The military operation forms part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal groups access to forest locations where they could establish camps, conceal weapons and plan attacks on nearby communities.
Old Oyo National Park, which covers a large forest area, presents security challenges because of its difficult terrain and the possibility of criminal elements exploiting isolated locations to evade security personnel.
The presence of armed groups in forest areas has remained a concern for communities and security agencies, particularly where such locations could provide escape routes and temporary shelters for criminals.
The Army has continued to conduct patrols and clearance operations in collaboration with other security formations to improve safety within the park and surrounding communities.
The military’s activities are also aimed at protecting residents, visitors, park facilities and other legitimate activities within the conservation area.
However, the operational report did not disclose the identity of the deceased suspect or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding his death.
It also did not state whether any additional arrests were made during the operations.
Security personnel are expected to sustain surveillance and clearance activities to prevent suspected criminals from returning to the destroyed hideouts.
The military has repeatedly stressed the importance of cooperation between security agencies and local communities in tackling insecurity, particularly through the provision of credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
ALSO READ:https://vistaonenews.com/2026/11/03/spain-to-introduce-paid-menopause-sick-leave-from-december-2026/
Leave a comment