The Oyo State Police Command has disrupted a planned armed invasion of Elebe Village in Aleniboro, near Irawo Mine in Atisbo Local Government Area, successfully preventing what authorities described as a potentially devastating attack.
The police described the intervention as a result of timely intelligence and strategic tactical planning, demonstrating the command’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the breakthrough followed credible information provided by a concerned resident.
The informant alerted the station that approximately ten armed Fulani men were hiding in a farm settlement within Elebe Village, allegedly preparing to launch an attack under the cover of darkness.
The suspects were reportedly heavily armed with two AK-47 rifles, single-barrel guns, and cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols.
Eyewitnesses noted that they openly discussed their intention to inflict harm on the community.
“In a remarkable display of operational prowess and intelligence-driven policing, our command intervened just in time to prevent what could have been a devastating attack on Elebe Village,” Ayanlade said.
He explained that upon receiving the tip-off, the Divisional Police Officer of Tede Division immediately informed the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, in accordance with established operational protocols.
The commissioner swiftly deployed additional personnel and operational resources to ensure the mission’s success.
The security operation was executed in collaboration with local hunters and members of the Agbekoya group in Aleniboro, who were instrumental in identifying and monitoring the suspects’ hideout.
When the security team approached the location, the armed bandits opened fire, leading to a brief but intense gun duel.
During the engagement, two of the assailants were neutralised, while others escaped into nearby bushes, reportedly with gunshot injuries.
Following the confrontation, a reinforcement patrol team conducted an extensive sweep of the surrounding area, recovering a cut-to-size locally made pistol, one empty cartridge, two live cartridges, and two expended 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition shells believed to have been fired by the fleeing suspects.
Additional items found included quantities of what is suspected to be Indian hemp, two Tecno button phones, and a bottle containing a substance described as a mixed drink.
These recoveries highlighted the level of preparation and armament of the criminal group, underscoring the importance of the intelligence that triggered the security operation.
The command emphasised that the area has now been secured, while continuous surveillance and bush-combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Authorities assured residents of Elebe Village and surrounding communities that measures are being taken to eliminate any residual threats and prevent further attacks.
The Police Public Relations Officer also acknowledged the leadership and support of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praising his provision of operational logistics and strategic direction.
This support, Ayanlade noted, has significantly enhanced the command’s capacity to respond rapidly and decisively to emerging security threats.
Highlighting the role of community involvement, the command urged citizens to maintain vigilance and provide timely intelligence to security agencies.
“Community cooperation is a critical pillar in our ongoing fight against criminality,” Ayanlade stressed.
“The success of this security operation would not have been possible without the proactive involvement of a resident who acted as a good Samaritan. We call on the public to continue supporting our efforts by reporting suspicious activities promptly.”
In a related but separate incident, a 12-year-old student of a private secondary school in Ibadan was kidnapped last Thursday, raising further concerns about security in the state capital.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the masked assailants drove a vehicle without registration plates, brandishing firearms and shooting sporadically to intimidate passersby and road users.
One eyewitness said, “The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. The kidnappers pursued the girl’s mother, abducted the child despite her resistance, and fled through the Challenge area of Ibadan.”
While the police have yet to confirm arrests in connection with the Ibadan kidnapping, the incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by residents.
Authorities have pledged to intensify patrols and surveillance across high-risk areas, ensuring that similar threats are detected and neutralised swiftly.
The combined efforts of proactive policing, local collaboration, and citizen intelligence form the backbone of the state’s strategy to counter criminal activities.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property through continuous operational readiness.
The recent foiling of the Elebe Village attack is a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led interventions.
Residents are reminded to remain alert, report suspicious movements to the nearest police formation, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety.
This incident reinforces the importance of a multi-pronged approach to security: rapid response, intelligence gathering, and community participation.
As ongoing investigations continue, authorities are determined to bring the fleeing bandits to justice and prevent future attacks, strengthening overall public confidence in law enforcement measures.
The Elebe Village case highlights how timely intelligence, swift tactical deployment, and community collaboration can turn potential tragedies into success stories.
By combining these elements in its security operations, the Oyo State Police Command demonstrates its dedication to reducing criminal threats, protecting citizens, and maintaining law and order throughout the state.
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