The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, has charged troops deployed around the Old Oyo National Park to sustain their offensive operations and flush out bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements from the area.

Mahmuda gave the directive on October 28, 2026, during an operational visit to the troops at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbeti, in Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The visit was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.

He said he had been monitoring operational developments in the national park and its environs, particularly the efforts and achievements of the troops.

The GOC urged the soldiers to maintain effective control of the area and deny criminal elements freedom of action.

“Ensure you clear the OONP and its environs of bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements,” he charged.

He disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu, was pleased with the resilience displayed by the troops and urged them to redouble their efforts.

Mahmuda also lauded other security agencies and local vigilantes for their contributions to the operations, noting that their collaboration demonstrated effective synergy among security stakeholders.

“We cannot thank you enough for what you are doing,” he said.

The GOC was received on arrival by the Commander, 2 Division Garrison, Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Azenda, and the Commander of the newly established 8 Brigade, Oyo, Brig.-Gen. Austin Obochi.

He was subsequently briefed on the operational activities by the Commanding Officer, 242 Reconnaissance Battalion, Col. Godwin Akuve, and the Operations Officer, Maj. Osaigbovo Ero, at the forward operating base.