Several members of a private security outfit affiliated with Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, have reportedly sustained injuries after suspected cross-border bandits ambushed them during a security operation inside the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State.
The operatives were said to be on a mission to flush out suspected kidnappers and other armed criminal groups believed to be hiding in the vast forest when they came under heavy attack.
According to sources familiar with the operation, the security team first deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected hideouts and monitor the movement of criminal elements before advancing into the area.
However, the operation reportedly took a violent turn when heavily armed men, believed to be members of cross-border bandit groups, opened fire on the advancing operatives, sparking a fierce gun battle deep inside the forest.
Several members of the security team, known as Iru Ekun, were reportedly hit by gunfire during the exchange. The exact number of those injured has yet to be officially confirmed.
The Oyo State Police Command had not issued any statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
The latest attack comes amid growing security concerns in parts of Oyo State, particularly around the Old Oyo National Park, which has become notorious for kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.
The development also follows the recent abduction of pupils, teachers, and the principal of Community High School, Ahoro Esiele, Mrs Rachael Alamu, during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by his captors. A video that surfaced online showed the teacher tied up, forced to speak before being beheaded by the kidnappers, an incident that has further heightened public outrage over the worsening insecurity in the state.