Several Injured As Suspected Bandits Ambush Sunday Igboho-Linked Security Team During Operation In Oyo Forest

Ibadan,  Oyo State– Members of Irú Ẹkùn, a private security outfit linked to Yoruba Nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, were reportedly injured after suspected cross-border bandits allegedly ambushed the team during an operation inside the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred while operatives of Iru Ekun, a security outfit associated with Igboho, were conducting a mission to track and dislodge suspected kidnappers and other armed criminal groups believed to be operating within the expansive forest reserve.

The operatives deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal hideouts and monitor the movements of armed groups before advancing into the forest.

However, the operation reportedly turned violent when heavily armed men, believed to be members of cross-border criminal networks, allegedly launched an ambush on the advancing security team.

The attackers reportedly opened fire on the operatives, triggering a fierce gun battle deep inside the forest.

Several members of the Iru Ekun team sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange, although the exact number of casualties had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, th wounded operatives were evacuated for medical attention, while other members of the team continued efforts to secure the area.

The Old Oyo National Park and surrounding forests have, in recent years, been identified as hideouts for suspected kidnappers and armed criminal gangs accused of carrying out abductions, attacks on travellers and other violent crimes across parts of Oyo and neighbouring states.