Oyo Police Neutralise Two, Intensify Manhunt After Foiled Attack
By Adewale Owoade
The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a planned deadly attack on Elebe Village in the Aleniboro area via Irawo Mine, neutralising two suspected bandits during an intelligence-led operation.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Monday.
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence from a good Samaritan who alerted security operatives to the presence of about 10 armed men suspected to be bandits hiding in a farm settlement within Elebe Village.
The suspects were reportedly armed with two AK-47 rifles, single-barrel guns and cut-to-size locally made pistols, and were allegedly planning to launch an attack on the community under the cover of darkness.
Upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Tede Division briefed the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, who immediately ordered the deployment of additional operational assets to the area.
Police operatives, in collaboration with members of the Agbekoya group and local hunters in Aleniboro, stormed the hideout. On sighting the advancing team, the hoodlums reportedly opened fire, resulting in a gun duel.
Two of the suspects were neutralised during the exchange, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
A reinforcement patrol team later combed the surrounding bush and recovered one cut-to-size locally made pistol, one empty cartridge, two live cartridges, two expended 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition shells, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, two Tecno button phones and a bottle containing a suspected mixed drink.
The police said the area has been secured, while intensive bush-combing and surveillance operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and eliminate any residual threat to Elebe Village and neighbouring communities.
The Commissioner of Police commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his continued support and provision of operational logistics to enhance the Command’s response to security threats.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against criminality.