Oyo State Police Launch Coordinated Security Operations Following Kidnapping Incident

The Oyo State Police Command has initiated extensive search operations, including bush-combing exercises, in response to recent security breaches, including the kidnapping of an Indian national.

Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Alayande, confirmed the operations on Monday during an appearance on a radio current affairs program in Ibadan. He stated that the command is reassessing its security strategies to address criminal activities across the state’s 33 local government areas.

This development follows an attack last Saturday in the Ogunmakin community, Oluyole Local Government Area, where armed assailants fatally wounded a police officer and abducted an Indian expatriate. This incident occurred days after a separate attack on Tuesday, January 6, at the National Park Service in Oloka, Oriire Local Government, which resulted in the death of five park officers.

According to Alayande, these events have prompted a strategic review and the deployment of additional personnel to affected regions. He emphasized that the command is collaborating closely with police forces in neighboring Ogun and Lagos States to enhance security, particularly along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and in border communities.

“The command is taking steps to checkmate the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements,” Alayande stated. “We have deployed our personnel to the affected areas and search operations are underway. We are also working in synergy with our sister commands in Lagos and Ogun States to ensure a safer environment for all.”

The police spokesperson expressed regret over the officer’s death and assured the public of the command’s commitment to apprehending those responsible for the recent attacks.