BREAKING: Inside Oyo Forest Where Igboho Combs For Kidnappers, Captives

According to a report by The Nation Nigeria on Sunday, June 28, 2026, Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has intensified efforts to rescue abducted residents of Igboho in Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, leading a coordinated search operation through the vast Old Oyo National Park following a recent wave of kidnappings.

The activist, who has built a reputation for confronting insecurity in parts of the South-West, has remained in his hometown since armed kidnappers allegedly abducted several residents from Igbope, a community on the outskirts of Igboho. Among the victims was a pregnant woman who reportedly died while in captivity.

The latest security crisis has placed Igboho at the centre of efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives and identify those responsible for the attacks. Favor As Higher Power? (The hidden truth) Some positions in life cannot be held or retained for long if you are not favored. Favor is higher power. You are not the only one desiring, deserving, connected, powerful or qualified. Some positions in life, opportunities, success, achievements, triumphs, selection, approvals, power and position, elevation, patronage, etc, are mainly through favor. Favor is silent, spiritual and higher power. For spiritual guidance, other solutions, call/Whatsapp Dr J.A. Faros on 07030514063. With God, all are possible.

During a meeting with Fulani community leaders at the palace of the Ona Onibode of Igboho, Oba AbdulRasheed Adetoyese, Sunday Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding the immediate release of the abducted residents.

He alleged that individuals linked to the Fulani community were involved in the kidnappings and warned that failure to free the victims would force him to take further action in collaboration with local security volunteers.

Igboho lamented that, according to information available to him, a ransom courier was also seized after delivering money to the kidnappers, while one of the captives lost her life despite ransom negotiations.

Although videos later emerged online suggesting that the victims had regained their freedom, both security authorities and local government officials reportedly denied that any rescue or release had taken place.

Sources familiar with the rescue mission disclosed that Igboho assembled a large search team comprising members of his recently launched community security outfit, local hunters, vigilante groups and technology specialists.

The operation reportedly combines conventional bush-combing with modern surveillance tools, including drones, digital mapping systems and location-tracking technology, to monitor movements inside the expansive forest stretching across Oyo and parts of Kwara State.

According to insiders, more than 40 members of Igboho’s security outfit are participating in the operation, while dozens of volunteer hunters and community vigilantes have joined the search, bringing the total number of personnel to nearly 100.

Rather than establish a permanent camp inside the forest, the rescue team reportedly operates from a private hotel in Igboho town because of the difficult terrain and security risks associated with spending the night in the dense forest.

Every morning, the team reportedly enters the forest before returning to base late in the evening.

Despite deploying surveillance equipment and local intelligence, locating the kidnappers has remained challenging.

Sources involved in the operation said suspected criminals frequently alter their routes after detecting surveillance activities, making it difficult for search teams to maintain contact with their movements.

Investigators also believe the vast network of footpaths within the forest enables criminal groups to disappear quickly into surrounding communities.

Another challenge, according to community sources, is the size of the Old Oyo National Park, which covers several local government areas and borders neighbouring Kwara State, making coordinated search operations particularly demanding.

Some residents further alleged that criminal gangs may be using concealed escape routes within the forest to evade detection. However, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the existence of such routes.

Residents of Igboho say the search effort has received significant community backing.

According to sources, concerned indigenes have provided food, logistics and financial support for volunteer hunters and vigilante members assisting in the operation.

Several residents also described Igboho’s decision to personally lead daily search missions as a morale booster for local volunteers.

Conflicting accounts have emerged over what prompted Sunday Igboho’s intervention.

While the activist stated during the palace meeting that he responded after receiving a request from a traditional ruler in the community, several residents insist he acted after widespread appeals from concerned indigenes on social media who urged him to help confront the worsening insecurity in his hometown.

Some community members argued that, as an indigene of Igboho, he did not require any formal invitation before joining efforts to rescue the abducted victims.

The kidnappings have renewed concerns over criminal activities around the Old Oyo National Park, one of Nigeria’s largest protected forest reserves.

The park stretches across multiple local government areas in Oyo State and extends into neighbouring Kwara State. While it is known for its rich wildlife and historical significance, residents have repeatedly expressed concerns that sections of the forest have become hideouts for kidnappers and other criminal groups.

Community leaders have called on both the Federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security presence within and around the reserve through sustained patrols, improved surveillance and closer collaboration with local communities.

Amid rising insecurity around the forest corridor, the Oyo State Government has announced a temporary curfew covering 10 local government areas surrounding the Old Oyo National Park.

The curfew, which runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., was introduced as part of emergency measures aimed at supporting ongoing security operations and restricting the movement of criminal elements operating within the area.

State authorities said the affected local government areas include Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba.

As rescue efforts continue, families of the abducted residents remain hopeful that the victims will be located safely, while residents have urged security agencies to intensify operations against criminal gangs operating in and around the Old Oyo National Park.

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