Lawyer and security consultant Bulama Bukarti has raised concerns over the possible whereabouts of victims abducted during recent attacks in Oyo State, warning that terrorist groups may be using national parks and forest reserves as safe havens.
Bukarti made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, on Wednesday 3 June, 2026, while reacting to the Nigerian Army’s disclosure that attackers responsible for incidents in Oyo State and other parts of the country were linked to the Boko Haram terrorist group.
Speaking on the challenge facing security agencies in locating kidnapped victims, Bukarti suggested that the abductors could be exploiting vast forested areas that have become difficult for authorities to effectively monitor.
“I can tell you they would either harbor and keep those children inside the old Oyo National Park or they would transport them to Kainji National park where they have already overcome,” he said.
The security consultant argued that terrorist and criminal groups have increasingly taken advantage of remote forest corridors and protected areas to establish bases, move hostages, and evade security operations. According to him, the existence of such territories has complicated efforts to track and rescue victims of kidnappings across several states.
Bukarti’s comments come amid growing concern over insecurity in parts of the country, particularly following attacks and abductions that have affected schools and rural communities. The Nigerian Army recently linked some of the attacks to Boko Haram elements, reinforcing fears that insurgent networks are expanding beyond their traditional strongholds in the North-East.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the activities of armed groups in forest reserves and national parks pose a significant threat to national security. They argue that the vast terrain, limited surveillance, and inadequate management of some of these locations have enabled criminal groups to operate with relative freedom…See More
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