The Nigerian Army has taken over the Old Oyo National Park and converted the facility into a military training centre as part of efforts to prevent criminal elements from using the vast forest reserve as a hideout.
The development follows the recent abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, which heightened concerns over the activities of kidnappers and other criminal groups operating within the region.
The military presence is expected to strengthen security surveillance across the park and its surrounding communities while restricting access to areas suspected to have been used by criminal elements.
The conversion of the park into a training facility is also expected to enhance the operational capacity of troops deployed to the area, particularly in forest warfare, counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations.
Security authorities said the move forms part of broader efforts to deny criminals safe havens and restore confidence among residents and visitors within the affected communities.
