The Oyo State Police Command has announced that it foiled a planned attack by suspected bandits on Elebe Village in Aleniboro via Irawo Mine.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the operation, executed with precision and swift tactical coordination, highlights the Command’s commitment to intelligence gathering, rapid response capability, and the protection of vulnerable communities from criminal elements.
DSP Olayinka revealed that the breakthrough followed credible information provided by a good Samaritan, who alerted security operatives to the presence of about ten armed Fulani men concealed at a farm settlement within Elebe Village with plans to attack the community under the cover of darkness.
“The suspects were reportedly armed with two AK-47 rifles, single-barrel guns, and cut-to-size locally made pistols, while openly discussing their intention to unleash violence on the village.
“Immediately the report was received, the Divisional Police Officer, Tede Division, in line with established operational and regimental chain of command, promptly informed the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Femi Haruna, who immediately directed the deployment of additional operational assets to ensure the success of the mission,” the statement partly reads.
Olayinka noted that Policemen, in collaboration with members of the Agbekoya (local hunters) in Aleniboro, swiftly mobilised to the identified hideout.
“On sighting the advancing security operatives, the hoodlums opened fire, resulting in a gun duel. In the course of the exchange, two of the bandits were neutralised, while others escaped with suspected bullet wounds,” he said.
The spokesperson highlighted the items recovered at the scene, including one cut-to-size locally made pistol, one empty cartridge, two live cartridges, two expended 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition shells fired by the hoodlums, quantities of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, two Tecno button phones, and one bottle containing a substance suspected to be a mixed drink.
He added that 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 adjoining communities.
Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his continuous support, strategic leadership, and provision of operational logistics, affirming that they have strengthened the Command’s capacity to respond decisively to security threats.
CP Haruna solicited sustained cooperation and timely intelligence from members of the public, emphasising that community support remains a critical pillar in the fight against criminality.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation.
Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615.
Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614 and 07055495413.
