Several operatives of Iru Ekun, a private security outfit linked to Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, were injured after suspected bandits launched an attack during a security operation in Oyo State.
POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that the incident happened inside the Old Oyo National Park, where the security team had reportedly gone to track armed criminal groups believed to be responsible for kidnapping and other violent attacks in nearby communities.
Sources familiar with the operation said the team had launched a coordinated surveillance mission following intelligence reports on the movement of suspected kidnappers within the forest.
The operatives were said to have deployed drones to monitor the area and identify possible criminal hideouts before moving in.
However, the operation took a violent turn after the security team reportedly encountered heavily armed men suspected to be members of cross-border criminal networks operating within the forest corridor.
The attackers were said to have opened fire on the operatives, triggering a fierce gun battle deep inside the forest reserve. The exchange reportedly lasted for some time as both sides engaged in intense shooting.
Several members of the Iru Ekun team sustained injuries during the attack. However, the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
The development has raised fresh concerns over the growing activities of bandits, kidnappers, and other armed groups operating in forests and remote settlements across the South-West region.
Security concerns around forest reserves in the region have remained a major issue in recent years, with residents repeatedly calling for stronger surveillance and coordinated operations to flush out criminal elements.
Efforts to get an official reaction from the Oyo State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time.
