Nigerian Army Takes Over Old Oyo National Park for Military Training
The Nigerian Army says it has taken over the Old Oyo National Park as a training ground, with a view to strengthening security and improving its operational readiness in the area.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Major-General Auwalu Mahmuda, disclosed this in Ibadan while receiving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, at the Division’s Headquarters in Ibadan.
Mahmuda disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff ordered the takeover following the rescue of victims of the Oriire kidnapping incident, adding that the military’s presence in the park would enhance security and support effective operations within the vast forest.
He said: “On the order of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shuaibu, the 2 Division has taken over the entire stretch of the Old Oyo National Park as a training site in order to prevent the repeat of the Oriire kidnap saga.
“With the 2 Division fully utilising the Park, it will be a herculean task for men of the underworld to use it as their hideout.”
The GOC also called for stronger media-military cooperation to combat misinformation and fake news and appealed to the media to report the efforts of security agencies in tackling insecurity.
Mahmuda urged journalists to verify security-related information with the military before publication, warning that unverified reports could undermine security operations and cause serious damage.
Read Also: Alebiosu Opens Up On Religious Journey, Says Mosque Experiences Took Him Back To Church
He stated: “I want to reassure you that the Nigerian Army sees journalists as partners, but they are also expected to play their part in demonstrating clearly that they are partners of the Nigerian Army.”
“We are all Nigerians, irrespective of the fact that some of us wear uniforms. I believe that, whatever we are doing, we are all working towards the success and development of this country.”
The GOC described the media as an important partner in national development, noting the risks journalists take to provide information to the public.
He said: “I have seen journalists go to places where other civilians dare not set foot. They put themselves in difficult and dangerous situations simply to obtain accurate information that can be shared with the public.”
The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Yinka Adeniran, commended the 2 Division for its security operations, particularly the rescue of the Oriire kidnap victims.
Adeniran also sought the Army’s support for the Chapel’s forthcoming Press Week, including training and medical outreach for journalists.
