Suspected bandits have reportedly attacked a security team linked to Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Igboho, during an anti-bandit operation inside a forest within the Old Oyo National Park, Oyo State.
The incident was said to have occurred when the operatives moved into the forest following intelligence that suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements were using the area as a hideout.
According to reports, the security team came under heavy gunfire after suspected bandits laid an ambush for them inside the forest.
The operatives were said to have engaged the attackers in a gun duel while also trying to rescue and evacuate some of their injured colleagues from the scene.
Several members of the security outfit reportedly sustained injuries during the attack, but the exact number of those affected could not be independently confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
The attack has raised fresh concern among residents of forest communities in Oyo State, who said the presence of armed groups in remote areas has continued to threaten farmers, travellers and villagers.
Some residents appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify operations in forests and border communities to prevent kidnappers and bandits from turning the areas into safe havens.
They said many people now live in fear because of repeated reports of abductions and attacks linked to criminal gangs hiding in forests.
As of the time of this report, the Oyo State Government and security agencies had not issued a detailed official statement on the incident.
However, sources said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the ambush and the condition of the injured operatives.