A police inspector has reportedly been killed during an ambush by suspected armed bandits at the Budo Masalasi Border Post in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 pm on January 24, 2026, when a police patrol team was attacked by the assailants, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Naija News understands that the attack came just days after suspected bandits raided the National Park Service office in Oloka community, also in Oriire Local Government Area, where five forest rangers were killed.
Reports said between 10 and 15 armed men stormed the border post and opened fire on the police team, forcing officers to repel the attack.
During the gun battle, the inspector was shot dead while engaging the attackers.
The assailants also made away with the officer’s AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition before fleeing the scene.
Confirming the development, the Oyo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, described the fallen officer as having died in active service while defending the public.
“Yes, there was an attack on police operatives during which an Inspector, while courageously repelling the attack, paid the supreme price on the line of duty,” Ayanlade said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, had ordered an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators.
According to him, preliminary findings indicated that some of the bandits sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange.
Ayanlade assured residents that the command had strengthened security across the affected areas to prevent further attacks.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to reassure members of the public that adequate security measures have been put in place to safeguard lives and property,” he said.
He urged residents to remain calm and report anyone with gunshot wounds, those seeking medical attention under suspicious circumstances, or individuals exhibiting unusual behaviour to the nearest police station or other security agencies.
SOURCE: Naija News
