Some members of Iru Ekun, a private security outfit linked to Yoruba Nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, have been reportedly injured after suspected cross-border bandits allegedly ambushed them during an operation in the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State.
The incident occurred while the operatives were conducting a mission aimed at tracking and dislodging suspected kidnappers and other armed criminal groups believed to be operating within the expansive forest reserve.
The security team had deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal hideouts and monitor the movements of armed groups before advancing into the area.
The operation reportedly turned violent when the operatives came under attack from heavily armed men believed to be members of cross-border criminal networks.
The suspected bandits allegedly opened fire on the advancing security personnel, triggering a fierce gun battle deep inside the forest.
The exact number of those injured had not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has heightened concerns over the activities of suspected kidnappers, bandits and other armed groups operating in forests and remote communities across parts of the South-West.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Oyo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls placed to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
The Old Oyo National Park and surrounding forest corridors have in recent years become notorious for activities linked to kidnapping syndicates and armed criminal groups, with residents of nearby communities repeatedly raising concerns over insecurity in the area.
On May 15, 2026 armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, abducting pupils, students, and teachers, including the principal of Community High School, Ahoro‑Esiele, Mrs Rachael Alamu.
One of the teachers kidnapped alongside Mrs. Alamu, Michael Oyedokun, has been killed.
