By Peace Erewunmi

Several operatives attached to the Iru Ekun Security Network, a security outfit associated with Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, were reportedly injured after suspected bandits ambushed them during an operation in a forest area of Oyo State. Reports indicate that the incident occurred while the team was carrying out a mission to track and flush out suspected kidnappers and armed criminals believed to be operating within the forest reserve.

According to sources familiar with the operation, the security team allegedly deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal hideouts and monitor movements within the forest before advancing into the area. However, the mission reportedly came under heavy attack from armed men, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Witness accounts suggest that the attackers opened fire on the advancing operatives, forcing the security team into a prolonged confrontation. Several members of the outfit reportedly sustained injuries of varying degrees during the encounter.

The operation is said to be part of broader efforts launched by the Iru Ekun Security Network to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities in forests across the South-West region. Earlier in the year, Sunday Igboho announced the commencement of forest security operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from forests in Oyo and neighboring states.

Although the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed, reports indicate that injured operatives were evacuated for medical attention while efforts continued to secure the area and assess the full extent of the damage.

Security concerns have intensified in Oyo State in recent months following a series of kidnapping incidents and attacks on communities, prompting calls for stronger action against armed groups operating in remote forest locations.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo State Police Command nor other security agencies had issued a detailed official statement on the reported ambush. Investigations and security operations in the affected area were said to be ongoing.