Seven alleged killers of forest rangers at Old Oyo National Park arrested

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Police operatives have arrested seven members of the 10-man armed gang, including the ringleader, allegedly responsible for the recent attack that claimed lives of forest rangers at Old Oyo National Park, Oloka area of Orire Local Government of Oyo State.

Oyo State Police Command announced the arrest of the suspects in a statement on Saturday.

The attack by the gunmen who stormed the park riding on motorcycles at about 9 pm on 6th January, 2026, resulted in the death of five forest rangers.

The police had earlier announced the arrest of three suspects identified as:
Mohammed Dangi Abubakar Abdullahi and
Sheu Usman over the attack.

According to the police statement, the three suspects, during interrogation confessed to the crime and gave accounts of how 10 members of their gang, riding on five motorcycles, carried out the attack.

The Oyo Police Command said investigations revealed that the primary intention of the assailants was to forcefully free their members who were arrested by the forest guards for various criminal activities within the National Park and adjoining communities.

According to the statement, the gunmen successfully freed their arrested members after killing the forest guards during the attack.

However, the police said building on the confessions of the three suspects and intelligence disclosures, further discreet investigation led to the arrest of four additional members of the armed gang on 25th January, 2026.

The police identified the four members as Toro Malami, Usman Alhaji Ummaru, Laolo Muhammadu and Usman Alhaji Isah.

The Police Command added that the suspects and the ring leader of the attack have continued to provide credible and actionable intelligence.

It added that the information being provided have strengthened ongoing efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

“Operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to ensure that all remaining suspects are tracked down and brought to justice,” the police said while assuring the people of the State that it is doing everything possible, in collaboration with other security agencies to maintain peace.

“In recognition of the institutional support that facilitated this success, the Command sincerely appreciates the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, for his unwavering support, cooperation, and commitment to strengthening the
security architecture of the State.

“The Command also appreciates the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for his sustained leadership, strategic guidance, and operational support that ensured this success,” it added.