The Oyo State Police Command has launched an intensive manhunt following a deadly attack on the National Forest Rangers’ Office in Oloka Village via Ikoyi-Ile, which claimed the lives of five forest guards.
The attack occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2026, when suspected bandits, numbering about 12, reportedly emerged from surrounding bushes, opened sporadic gunfire on the Rangers’ facility, and fled the scene.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, confirmed that intelligence operatives, tactical teams, and Mobile Police Force personnel have been deployed to track down the attackers.
According to the statement, CP Haruna immediately carried out an on-the-spot security assessment of the area upon receiving information about the incident. He was accompanied by heads of sister security agencies and the Commandant of the National Forest Rangers, during which they assessed the security situation and met with community leaders in Oloka.
“The Commissioner of Police expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and reassured the community of the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, to prevent a recurrence of such incidents,” the statement said.
The police dismissed reports suggesting the attack spread beyond the Rangers’ facility, stressing that the incident was solely targeted at the National Forest Rangers’ Office.
“Contrary to some media reports, the attack was limited to the Rangers’ Office, and the swift and proactive deployment of police personnel prevented any further escalation within the surrounding community,” the statement added.
It noted that immediately after the attack, the Area Commander, the Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi Division, tactical teams, and other operatives were deployed to secure the area, protect lives and property, and gather evidence.
The remains of the slain officers have been respectfully deposited, while the scene was forensically examined to recover vital evidence.
As part of reinforced security measures, CP Haruna ordered the deployment of additional intelligence operatives, tactical teams, and mobile personnel to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response across the axis.
He further directed that “no stone should be left unturned” in ensuring the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing, adding that credible leads have already emerged to aid in the identification and arrest of those responsible.
Reaffirming its resolve, the Oyo State Police Command assured residents of its continued commitment to the protection of lives and property and vowed to ensure the swift apprehension and prosecution of the suspects.
