Members of the Oodua Peoples Congress have arrested three suspected kidnappers accused of terrorising residents and visitors around Old Oyo National Park.
The suspects were apprehended at different locations during patrol operations by the organisation, amid persistent security concerns in and around the park.
Old Oyo National Park stretches across 10 local government areas in Oyo State and one local government area in Kwara State. The area has experienced repeated attacks by suspected criminals, with forest guards reportedly killed during an attack in 2025.
In May 2026, 39 students and seven teachers were reportedly abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims were allegedly held captive by kidnappers operating within the park.
The OPC coordinator in Eseke village, Oriire Local Government Area, Kehinde Zaccheus, disclosed the latest arrests to journalists on Tuesday.
Zaccheus explained that the organisation’s patrol team arrested one suspect in Eseke village and two others in Igbeti, within Olorunsogo Local Government Area.
He added that the suspects were allegedly found in possession of sophisticated rifles when they were apprehended.
Zaccheus said, “The suspects specifically were picked up at different times by a patrol team of the organisation at Eseke in Oriire local government area (one suspect) and at Igbeti, Olorunsogo local government area (two), and the suspects were reportedly in possession of sophisticated rifles.
“Upon arrest, the suspects were handed over to the police at Ikoyi-Ile and Igbeti, respectively, for further investigation.”
The suspects have been transferred to the police for further investigation as security concerns persist around the national park and neighbouring communities.
