One of the seven suspects arrested in connection with the brutal killing of five forest rangers in Oyo State has confessed to participating in the attack, revealing chilling details of how the operation was planned and executed.
Abubakar Abdullahi, a Fulani herder and suspected kidnapper, told investigators that he was invited by Mohammed Dangi, whom he described as the second-in-command of the bandit gang, to take part in the assault on the National Park Service office in Oloka Village. According to him, the mission was aimed at freeing three Fulani herders earlier arrested for an offence yet to be disclosed.
At first glance, Abdullahi’s petite build, youthful appearance and tiny frame could easily pass him off as harmless. Beneath that exterior, however, police say he is proficient in handling AK-47 rifles and firing with deadly accuracy.
The attack occurred on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at about 9pm at the National Forest Rangers’ office in Oloka Village, Ikoyi Ile, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The assailants, reportedly about 10 in number and armed with sophisticated firearms, stormed the Old Oyo National Park facility and launched a deadly assault on the rangers.
Five forest rangers were killed during the attack, with one burnt beyond recognition. The attackers also made away with two FNC rifles and three motorcycles, while setting two other motorcycles ablaze.
Confirming the arrests, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, directed the command’s Monitoring Unit, led by CSP Ayodeji Adepetu, to take over the investigation.
According to him, intelligence-driven operations led to the arrest of three suspects initially, followed by four others, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to seven.
Those arrested include Mohammed Dangi, described as the gang’s coordinator; Abubakar Abdullahi; Sheu Usman; Toro Malami; Usman Alhaji Umaru; Laolo Muhammadu; and Usman Alhaji Isah.
Speaking during an interview, Abdullahi said he hails from Yahuri in Kebbi State but resides in B’Olorunduro, Ogbomoso. He admitted to being a herder who also engaged in kidnapping alongside other members of the gang.
“I don’t know how long I have been in B’Olorunduro. I herded cows from Bode Saadu in Kwara State down there,” he said.
Explaining how the attack was carried out, Abdullahi stated: “It was Mohammed Dangi who invited me. He instructed me and others to kill all the people we saw at the park office. The reason he gave was that three Fulani herders had been arrested. He told us to set our three men free after killing the forest rangers. After killing those rangers, we released our people and took them away.
“I did not know when the idea was first discussed, but I joined the gang on the day we went to carry out the attack.”
He disclosed that the gang used a stealth approach to access the park office, which is surrounded by thick forest.
“We were 10 in number. We went with five motorcycles and five AK-47 rifles. Two of us rode each motorcycle. We also carried explosives. We parked the motorcycles far away and quietly trekked to the park office,” he said.
Abdullahi identified one Bello, currently at large, as the leader of the gang, saying Mohammed merely executed Bello’s orders.
“Bello and I once lived together in Bode Saadu, but I don’t know where he is now. He only gave instructions to Mohammed and did not come with us to Oloka Village. He was the one who gave Mohammed the AK-47 rifles we used. Bello usually joined us during kidnap operations,” he added.
On his involvement in kidnapping, Abdullahi said he had been part of such operations for a long time and could not recall when he started. He admitted to participating in kidnappings in Oloka Village and Bode Saadu.
“Whenever I was called for a kidnap operation, I always went,” he said.
Despite the violent nature of the crimes, Abdullahi claimed his share of ransom from kidnapping operations was always N10,000. He swore by Allah that he had never received more than that amount.
A security source corroborated the claim, explaining that members of kidnap gangs and bandit groups are often severely exploited by their leaders.
“From our experience during investigations, even when they rustle cattle, they may give one cow to five people and still force them to sell it back to the leader at a ridiculously low price. They dare not complain, except they want to die. This is the kind of slavery they submit themselves to,” the source said.
On how he became skilled in handling an AK-47 rifle despite his small stature, Abdullahi said: “I was trained by Mohammed Dangi. I know how to use the rifle very well.”
Asked whether the gang killed kidnap victims whose families could not pay ransom, he said such decisions were taken by the leaders.
“It is not my wish to kidnap people, but Mohammed is my relative. I grew up with him, and he made me join the gang,” he added.
DSP Ayanlade said operatives of the Monitoring Unit, working with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to track down remaining suspects and bring all those involved to justice.
