Several operatives of a private security outfit linked to Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, were reportedly injured after suspected cross-border bandits attacked them during a security operation inside the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State.
The operatives, identified as members of the Iru Ekun security team, were said to have launched an operation aimed at dislodging suspected kidnappers and other armed criminal groups believed to be operating from the forest.
Sources familiar with the mission disclosed that the team initially deployed surveillance drones to locate suspected criminal hideouts and monitor activities within the area before moving in.
The operation, however, turned violent when heavily armed men, suspected to be cross-border bandits, allegedly opened fire on the security operatives, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire deep inside the forest.
Several members of the security team reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation, although the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The attack comes amid growing concerns over insecurity around the Old Oyo National Park, an area that has witnessed repeated cases of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in recent years.
The latest incident also follows the recent abduction of pupils, teachers and the principal of Community High School, Ahoro Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by his captors, further fueling public concern over the worsening security situation in the state.
