How 12 Bandits Em£rged From Bushes, Opened Gunf!re On Oyo Forest Guards —Police
How 12 Bandits Emerged From Bushes, Opened Gunfire On Oyo Forest Guards —Police
The police confirmed that the attack occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on January 6, 2026, when about 12 armed assailants emerged from adjoining bushes and opened sporadic gunfire on the Rangers’ Office before fleeing the scene.
The Oyo State Police Command has provided fresh details on the deadly attack on the National Forest Rangers’ Office at Oloka Village, via Ikoyi-Ile, in Oyo State, which claimed the lives of five forest guards on Tuesday night.
The police confirmed that the attack occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on January 6, 2026, when about 12 armed assailants emerged from adjoining bushes and opened sporadic gunfire on the Rangers’ Office before fleeing the scene.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Public Relations of the Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, led heads of sister security agencies and the Commandant of the National Forest Rangers on an on-the-spot security assessment of the affected area.
Olayinka said during a meeting with community leaders in Oloka Community, the police commissioner expressed deep condolences over the loss of the officers and reassured residents of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, to prevent a recurrence.
The police dismissed reports suggesting that the surrounding community was attacked, clarifying that the assault was directed solely at the National Forest Rangers’ Office.
The Command said the swift and proactive deployment of police operatives prevented any further escalation
“Immediately information about the attack was received, all available operatives and operational assets were deployed to the area,” the statement read, adding that the move prevented further attacks and a possible breakdown of law and order.
According to the statement, the Area Commander, Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi Division, tactical teams, and other operatives were mobilised to secure the scene, protect the community, and gather evidence.
The police noted that the remains of the slain officers have since been deposited, while the crime scene was forensically examined to recover relevant evidence.
As part of ongoing security measures, the police commissioner ordered the reinforcement of personnel in the area, including the deployment of additional intelligence operatives, tactical teams, and mobile police officers to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response.
The Commissioner of Police also directed that “no stone should be left unturned” in ensuring the arrest and prosecution of those behind the attack.
Investigations have commenced, with the Command noting that preliminary findings are already yielding promising leads.
The police reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state and assured residents that all necessary steps are being taken to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice.
The police commissioner further appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for his continued support and guidance, which, he said, has strengthened the operational capacity of the Command in addressing security challenges in the state.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing investigations.
