Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed a suspected criminal and recovered an AK-47 rifle and other weapons during an operation in the Old Oyo National Park, months after terrorists used the forest as a hideout to abduct schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

The operation was carried out on November 7 by troops of Operation IGBO DANU II under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with hybrid forces.

According to the Army, armed suspects fled after sighting the advancing troops, prompting soldiers to pursue them and recover weapons abandoned at the scene.

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.

Weapons, Hideouts Recovered

The Army said the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine and a locally made Dane gun during the operation.

They also destroyed temporary shelters believed to have been used as hideouts by the criminal elements.

The military said troops were continuing to search the surrounding areas to track fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping.

Forest Linked to Schoolchildren’s Abduction

The operation comes months after 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.

The 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.

On July 10, the Nigerian Army 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.

It added that troops remained committed to dismantling criminal networks, denying them safe havens and restoring security across the 2 Division Area of Responsibility.