Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Army has designated the entire stretch of Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State as a military training ground to prevent kidnappers and other criminal groups from using the forest as a hideout, the commander of the Army’s 2 Division said on Wednesday.
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Major-General Auwalu Mahmuda, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, said the move was directed by Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant-General Waidi Shuaibu following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area in May.
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Mahmuda disclosed this while receiving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, at the division’s headquarters in Odogbo, Ibadan.
He said the sustained military presence and training exercises in the park would help deny criminal elements the opportunity to establish bases or use the forest as a safe haven.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, prompting a prolonged security operation. The Army said they were rescued on July 10, after 56 days in captivity, during an intelligence-led operation targeting the kidnappers’ network, logistics and hideouts, including locations within Old Oyo National Park.
The rescue operation involved the military, police, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun personnel, local vigilantes and hunters, according to the Army.
Security operations around the park were intensified after the abduction. In September, Mahmuda inspected troop deployments along the Igbeti-Igboho-Sepeteri road and in areas around Ikoyi-Ile and Oriire, directing troops to maintain vigilance against security threats.
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The decision recalls the military’s post-insurgency use of the Sambisa Forest in northeastern Nigeria. Troops captured Camp Zairo, a major Boko Haram stronghold in the forest, in December 2016, after which the military expanded training and marksmanship activities in the area.
In 2017, the Army announced plans to hold its Small Arms Championship in Sambisa Forest, describing the exercise as part of efforts to consolidate military gains in the area and improve troops’ combat and marksmanship skills.
The Old Oyo deployment comes as security agencies have increased operations around forested areas in southwestern Nigeria that are regarded as potential routes or hideouts for kidnappers and other criminal groups.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
