By Deborah Nnamdi
The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said it thwarted a planned attack by suspected bandits on Irawo town in the Oke Ogun area of the state, neutralizing two suspects during a gun duel.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement, describing the operation as a remarkable display of proactive policing, operational efficiency, and intelligence-led crime prevention.
According to him, the breakthrough followed credible information from a concerned citizen who alerted security operatives to the presence of about 10 armed men allegedly hiding in a farm settlement at Elebe Village, Aleniboro, via Irawo Mine. The suspects were reportedly planning to attack the community under the cover of darkness.
Olayinka said the armed men, described as suspected bandits, were said to have two AK-47 rifles, single-barrel guns, and locally made pistols, and were overheard discussing plans to unleash violence on the village.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Tede Division informed the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, who immediately ordered the deployment of additional tactical teams to the area.
Policemen, working in collaboration with local hunters in Aleniboro, mobilised to the hideout. The suspects reportedly opened fire on the approaching security operatives, leading to a gun battle. Two of the suspects were killed in the exchange, while others fled into the bush with suspected gunshot injuries.
The police said reinforcement teams had since been deployed to maintain calm in the area, while extensive bush combing and surveillance operations were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Items recovered at the scene included a cut-to-size locally made pistol, one empty cartridge, two live cartridges, two expended 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition shells allegedly fired by the suspects, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, two Tecno button phones, and a bottle containing a liquid believed to be a mixed drink.
The Command assured residents that the area had been secured and reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities. It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against criminality.
