A planned bandit attack on Elebe Village near Aleniboro, along the Irawo Mine axis of Oyo State, was thwarted following timely intelligence and a swift security response that led to the neutralisation of two armed suspects.
Acting on information supplied by a local informant, operatives of the Oyo State Police Command, supported by members of the Agbekoya Movement and local hunters, moved in on a farm settlement where about ten suspected bandits were said to be camped.
Police sources said the suspects, allegedly armed with AK-47 rifles and other weapons, were overheard planning to launch a nighttime attack on the community. The intelligence was escalated by the Divisional Police Officer in Tede to the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, who authorised the immediate deployment of additional personnel and logistics.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, the operation turned into a gun battle when the suspects opened fire on the advancing security team. Two of the armed men were neutralized, while others escaped into surrounding bushes with suspected gunshot wounds.
A follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, mobile phones and other items believed to belong to the suspects.
Security forces have since intensified patrols and bush-combing operations in nearby forests to prevent regrouping or reprisal attacks.
The police said calm has been restored in Elebe and adjoining communities, stressing that sustained vigilance and cooperation from residents remain critical to disrupting criminal networks.
The command also acknowledged the operational backing provided by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting that improved logistics and intelligence coordination continue to strengthen security responses across the state.
