IBADAN — The Nigerian Army has officially converted a major portion of the Old Oyo National Park into a military training facility following recent high-profile kidnappings along the Oriire Local Government Area axis of Oyo State.
The strategic conversion, announced on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aims to permanently flush out criminal elements, bandits, and kidnapping syndicates who have historically used the vast, dense forest reserve as a hideout and operational base for launching attacks on neighboring farming communities and commuters.
Military authorities confirmed that establishing a permanent physical presence and conducting continuous tactical exercises within the national park will deny criminal networks safe havens, enhance intelligence gathering, and bolster general security along the Oyo-Ogbomoso expressway corridor.
Community leaders and local stakeholders across Oriire and surrounding local government areas welcomed the deployment, expressing optimism that a permanent military presence will restore peace, protect agricultural livelihoods, and safeguard interstate travelers.
The army reassured residents that the establishment of the training base will be conducted in coordination with the National Park Service and local hunters, ensuring that forest conservation protocols are balanced with strict counter-banditry and tactical security operations.
