Several members of Iru Ekun, a private security outfit linked to Yoruba Nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, were reportedly injured after suspected bandits ambushed them during an operation in the Old Oyo National Park.
The incident reportedly occurred while the operatives were tracking suspected kidnappers and other armed criminals believed to be operating within the forest reserve.
Sources familiar with the operation said the team used surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal hideouts and monitor the movement of armed groups before advancing into the area.
The operation, however, came under attack when heavily armed men, described by the sources as suspected cross-border bandits, allegedly opened fire on the security personnel, leading to a gun battle.
Several members of the Iru Ekun team were reportedly wounded during the exchange. However, the exact number of those injured had not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has renewed concerns over the activities of kidnappers, bandits and other armed groups operating in forests and remote communities across parts of Nigeria's South-West region.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Oyo State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time.
