Army takes over Old Oyo Park after Oriire abduction
By Adejayan Gbenga –
The Nigerian Army has taken over the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State and converted the facility into a training centre following the abduction and subsequent rescue of more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Auwalu Mahmuda, disclosed this on Wednesday when he received members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, at the division’s headquarters in Odogbo, Akinyele Local Government Area.
Mahmuda said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shuaibu, directed the 2 Division to use the park as a training ground to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the vast forest area as a hideout. He said the decision followed the abduction of the schoolchildren and their teachers in Oriire.
“The order came after the rescue of the victims of the Oriire kidnap. By taking it over, the park has become a no-go area for kidnappers and other men of the underworld using the large forest as a base for their nefarious activities,” Mahmuda said.
More than 40 pupils and their teachers were abducted during a coordinated attack on three schools at Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. The victims were rescued by joint security operatives on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.
Mahmuda also called for stronger collaboration between the military and the media in tackling misinformation and fake news, urging journalists to verify security-related information with the military before publication or broadcast. He warned that publishing unverified information could cause serious damage and create additional security challenges.
“I want to reassure you that the Nigerian Army sees journalists as partners, but they are also expected to play their part in demonstrating clearly that they are partners of the Nigerian Army,” the GOC said.
Mahmuda commended the Correspondents’ Chapel for reporting the activities and contributions of the 2 Division to national development. He also promised military support for the chapel in areas including training and medical outreach, particularly ahead of its forthcoming Press Week.
