- The Oyo State Police Command launched an investigation into an armed attack on the Nigeria Immigration Service office in Ogbomoso
- Attackers reportedly stormed the facility at night, assaulted officers, and stole a G3 rifle, ammunition, and other equipment
- Police deployed tactical teams and intelligence operatives to track the suspects and recover the stolen items
The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into an armed attack on the Nigeria Immigration Service office in Ogbomoso, during which firearms and other items were reportedly stolen from officers on duty.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, took place at the Immigration office located along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway, close to an NNPC filling station. Security sources said the invasion happened around 10:00 pm while commercial activities were still ongoing at the nearby Ayanyan Cattle Market.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers, numbering about five, stormed the facility under the cover of darkness and overpowered officers stationed at the premises.
One source said the assailants “scaled the perimeter fence from the rear” before launching an attack on the officers, adding that the exact number of weapons stolen could not immediately be confirmed.
The attackers were said to have escaped shortly after the operation, leaving the scene before security reinforcements arrived.
Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Police Command said it had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the invasion of the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Office in Ogbomoso.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the Command said preliminary findings indicated that the attackers gained access through the rear fence bordering a bushy area.
The statement revealed that the attackers assaulted two Immigration officers on night duty, using sticks and other weapons before making away with a G3 rifle, ammunition, a mobile phone, a generator set, and a motorcycle battery.
It added that the injured officers had received medical attention and were in stable condition.
“The hoodlums reportedly attacked two Immigration officers who were on night duty, assaulting them with sticks and other dangerous weapons before making away with a G3 rifle assigned to the office,” the statement said.
The Command further disclosed that tactical and surveillance teams had been deployed to comb surrounding bushes and possible escape routes in a bid to track down the suspects and recover the stolen items.
It also confirmed that intelligence operatives had been activated to support ongoing investigations, while all relevant security resources had been mobilised to ensure a swift resolution of the case.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, reportedly ordered all operational units to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The police also said a joint task team had been set up in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service to enhance coordination and improve the chances of arresting the perpetrators.
Authorities assured residents of Ogbomoso and surrounding communities that security agencies were fully committed to maintaining law and order and preventing further attacks on government facilities.
The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest security formation, stressing that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.