Nigerian Army Kills Suspect, Recovers AK-47 in Oyo Forest Operation

The Nigerian Army has conducted an operation in the Old Oyo National Park, resulting in the death of a suspected criminal and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle. On November 7, troops of Operation IGBO DANU II under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with hybrid forces, carried out the operation. The troops had been tracking armed suspects who fled after sighting the advancing soldiers.

During a follow-up search on November 8, troops discovered the body of one of the fleeing suspects, confirming that a suspect had been killed. The Army said the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, and a locally made Dane gun during the operation. The recovered weapons and equipment were abandoned by the suspects at the scene.

The operation aimed to prevent criminal and terrorist groups from re-establishing bases in the park. Months ago, terrorists reportedly used the Old Oyo National Park as a hideout during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area. On May 15, 2026, attackers invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School, Esiele, abducting pupils and teachers.

At least 44 pupils and teachers were eventually rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, while two teachers were killed during the incident and its aftermath. The Nigerian Army later announced that troops and other security agencies had rescued the abductees following intelligence-led operations targeting the terrorists’ leadership, informants, logistics networks, and hideouts.

The Army said the latest operation formed part of ongoing efforts to prevent criminal and terrorist groups from re-establishing bases in the park. Troops are continuing to search the surrounding areas to track fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping. The military also destroyed temporary shelters believed to have been used as hideouts by the criminal elements.

The operation was carried out by troops of Operation IGBO DANU II under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with hybrid forces. The Army remains committed to dismantling criminal networks, denying them safe havens, and restoring security across the 2 Division Area of Responsibility.

The Nigerian Army’s efforts to secure the region have been ongoing, with a focus on intelligence-led operations to target terrorist groups. The recovery of the AK-47 rifle and other equipment is a significant achievement in the fight against terrorism and crime in the region.

Key points

• Nigerian Army kills suspect, recovers AK-47 rifle in Oyo Forest operation
• Operation aims to prevent terrorist groups from re-establishing bases in Old Oyo National Park
• Troops continue to search surrounding areas to track fleeing suspects