The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected bandits during a security operation aimed at preventing a planned kidnapping in a rural community within the state.
The incident occurred at Elebe Village in the Aleniboro area, located along the Irawo Mine axis. According to the command, the operation was carried out following credible intelligence indicating that a group of armed criminals had gathered in the area with the intention of abducting residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, explained that security personnel acted swiftly on the intelligence report, mobilising officers to the identified location in order to prevent the attack and ensure the safety of the community. The operation was conducted in collaboration with members of the Agbekoya group and local hunters, who provided additional support due to their familiarity with the terrain.
Upon arrival at the suspected hideout, the security operatives reportedly encountered the armed suspects. The criminals, on noticing the approach of the joint security team, allegedly opened fire in an attempt to resist arrest and escape. This led to a gun battle between the bandits and the security personnel.
During the exchange of gunfire, two of the suspected bandits were shot and killed by the operatives. However, other members of the group managed to flee the scene, reportedly escaping into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds. Security officials believe the fleeing suspects may attempt to seek medical assistance, and efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend them.
Following the confrontation, reinforcement teams were deployed to conduct a thorough search of the area. The security personnel combed nearby bushes and hideouts in order to recover weapons, ammunition, and other items that could aid ongoing investigations.
Items recovered at the scene included a locally made pistol, an empty cartridge, and two live cartridges. In addition, officers recovered two expended 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition shells believed to have been fired by the suspects during the gun battle. Other items found at the location included quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, two mobile phones, and a bottle containing a liquid suspected to be an intoxicating mixture.
The police described the operation as a significant success in its efforts to combat violent crime and protect residents, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities. The command emphasized that the swift response and coordinated efforts of police officers, in partnership with local security groups, helped to prevent what could have resulted in serious harm to innocent citizens.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order across Oyo State, stressing that proactive policing, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with community stakeholders remain key components of their crime prevention strategy.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by providing timely and useful information that could help prevent criminal activities. Police assured the public that efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the fleeing suspects and ensure that all individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
Security patrols in and around the affected communities have reportedly been intensified to deter further criminal activities and reassure residents of their safety. The police reiterated their determination to sustain operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding lives and property throughout the state.
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