Several operatives of Iru Ekun, a private security outfit associated with Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, were reportedly injured during a gun battle with suspected armed bandits in the Old Oyo National Park.
According to reports, the incident occurred during a security operation aimed at locating and dislodging suspected kidnappers and other criminal elements believed to be operating within the forest reserve.
The operatives were said to have deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected hideouts and monitor the movement of armed groups before advancing into the area. However, the mission reportedly came under attack from heavily armed men suspected to be members of cross-border criminal networks.
The attackers allegedly opened fire on the security team, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire deep within the forest.
Sources said several members of the security outfit sustained injuries during the confrontation, although the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed.
The Old Oyo National Park and surrounding forest corridors have long been identified as security flashpoints, with residents of nearby communities repeatedly expressing concerns over kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
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Security