Police Nab Alleged Mastermind as Manhunt Continues for Fleeing Gang Members
The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of the deadly armed banditry attack on the Old Oyo National Park, with the arrest of seven suspected members of the gang responsible for the incident that claimed five lives.
The suspects, including the alleged mastermind and ring leader of the ten-man gang, were arrested following an intensive, intelligence-led operation coordinated by the Oyo State Police Command Monitoring Unit on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, psc+.
The attack, which occurred on 6 January 2026 at about 9:00 p.m., took place at the Oloka area of Orire Local Government Area. Armed bandits reportedly stormed the National Park office in large numbers on motorcycles, wielding sophisticated firearms, and launched a violent assault on forest rangers and other operatives. The incident resulted in the tragic death of five personnel and the forceful release of detained members of the gang who were in the custody of forest guards.
Following the attack, CP Haruna ordered the immediate deployment of operational assets to the area and launched a full-scale investigation. This led to the initial arrest of three suspects identified as Mohammed Dangi (52), Abubakar Abdullahi, and Sheu Usman. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement and revealed that ten gang members, riding on five motorcycles, carried out the operation.
Investigations further uncovered that the primary motive behind the attack was to free arrested members of their armed banditry syndicate who had been detained for various criminal activities within the National Park and surrounding communities.
Building on the intelligence provided, police operatives arrested four additional suspects on 25 January 2026 at different locations across the country. They were identified as Toro Malami (43), Usman Alhaji Ummaru, Laolo Muhammadu (22), and Usman Alhaji Isah (32). Police confirmed that the arrests include the alleged mastermind of the operation.
According to the Command, the suspects have continued to provide credible and actionable intelligence, aiding ongoing efforts to track down other fleeing members of the gang. The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified the manhunt to ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.
The Oyo State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, stressing that Oyo State will not be allowed to serve as a safe haven for criminal elements. The Command also cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or undermining public peace.
The Police Command expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, for his unwavering support in strengthening the state’s security framework. Commendation was also extended to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, for his leadership and operational backing.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Oyo State Call Response Center toll-free line 615, or the Police Control Room lines: 08081768614 and 07055495413.
The Command reiterated its resolve to remain proactive and relentless in confronting and dismantling all forms of criminality within the state.
