The command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta, stressing that the incident should not be mistaken for a bandit attack.
According to the statement, the command described the incident as “an isolated criminal attack and not a bandit operation as being speculated in some quarters”.
Babaseyi stated that one soldier deployed for security duties was killed during the attack, while another sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.
“Regrettably, a soldier on security duty lost his life during the incident, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson further revealed that four persons were abducted by the attackers during the incident. He said security operatives swiftly launched a joint rescue operation involving the police, military and other relevant stakeholders.
“Attackers abducted four persons during the incident. Police operatives, in collaboration with the Military and other security stakeholders, immediately launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations. One of the abducted victims was rescued, while the remains of the other three victims were later recovered.
“During the bush-combing exercise, a local hunter supporting the operation lost his life in an encounter with the fleeing criminals. The Command extends its condolences to his family.”