Troops move against bandits in Old Oyo National Park, recover corpse, Ak-47
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered an AK-47 rifle and discovered the corpse of a suspected bandit following operation against the criminals in Old Oyo National Park.
The troops, operating under Operation IGBO DANU II alongside hybrid forces, engaged the suspected bandits on Saturday while the corpse and the rifle were recovered yesterday, Sunday, 8th November.
According to an operational report made available on Sunday, the suspected bandits fled upon sighting the advancing troops.
The troops subsequently recovered an AK-47 rifle with registration number 14907, an empty magazine and a Dane gun.
“During a follow-up operation on Sunday, the troops discovered the corpse of a suspected bandit.
“They also destroyed temporary shelters suspected to have been used as hideouts by the bandits,” the report read in part.
The report said troops continued to search the area, with no further contact recorded.
It added that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements safe havens and strengthen security within the operational area. (NAN)
Communities raise alarm over bandits’ hideouts in Old Oyo National Park
Recall that Communities in Igbeti and Igboho in Olorunsogo and Orelope Local Government Areas of Oyo State have constantly raised alarm over activities of bandits and kidnappers in the Old Oyo National Park.
They had lamented that the National Park posed danger to the community.
According to them, many of the bandits and kidnappers hide in the forest reserves to commit their atrocities.
The park home to a rich variety of wildlife and steeped in cultural and historical significance, spans 2,512 square kilometres of open plains in Oyo town.
Located in the South-West zone of Nigeria, the park spreads across 10 Local Government Areas in Oyo State and one in Kwara.
The park gained national prominence following recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire local government area of the state.
The kidnappers were said to have used the national park as cover for their criminal activities.