The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation after armed hoodlums attacked the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Passport Office in Ogbomoso, injuring officers and stealing a service rifle.

Police said the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when a group of about five attackers allegedly invaded the facility by scaling the perimeter fence from the rear of the compound.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about the security of government facilities and the growing challenge of protecting public institutions from criminal activity.

What Happened?

According to the Oyo State Police Command, the officer in charge of the passport office raised an alarm at about 8:45 p.m. after armed men breached the premises.

Police said rapid-response operatives from the Command Monitoring Unit and surveillance teams were immediately deployed to the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects gained entry through a section of the fence bordering a large bush area behind the facility.

Investigators say the attackers assaulted two immigration officers who were on night duty using sticks and other weapons before making away with a G3 rifle assigned to the office and its attached ammunition.

The suspects also reportedly stole a mobile phone belonging to one of the officers, a generating set, and a motorcycle battery before escaping through the same route.

Officers Receiving Treatment

Police confirmed that the injured officers received medical attention and are currently in stable condition.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the affected personnel.

Police Intensify Search Operations

Security teams have begun extensive search operations in and around Ogbomoso, including nearby bush paths and suspected escape routes.

Police say intelligence officers and informants have been mobilised to provide actionable information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen weapon.

In a statement, the Command said:

“Surveillance and tactical teams have intensified operations within and around the area, including the combing of adjoining bushes and likely escape routes, in a determined effort to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen firearms and other valuables.”

Joint Security Task Team Established

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed operational and intelligence units to dedicate all available resources to the investigation.

Police also revealed that the Commissioner and the Oyo State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service have established a joint task team to strengthen cooperation between both agencies.

The Command said:

“The Commissioner of Police and the State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, have jointly constituted a collaborative task team to strengthen coordination and enhance efforts aimed at ensuring the arrest of all persons involved.”

Why This Matters

Security experts say the theft of a service rifle from a government facility increases concerns about the potential circulation of weapons among criminal groups.

Although authorities have not linked the attack to any organised criminal network, analysts note that stolen security weapons often become a priority for law enforcement because of the risks they pose to public safety.

The incident also highlights broader concerns about protecting critical government infrastructure, particularly facilities located near isolated or poorly secured areas.

Public Urged to Assist Investigation

The Oyo State Police Command has called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

Authorities say any information that could assist the investigation will be treated confidentially.

For emergencies, residents can contact

– Oyo State Call Response Center (Toll-Free): 615

– Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614

– 07055495413

What Happens Next?

Investigators are expected to review intelligence reports, examine possible escape routes, and collaborate with other security agencies in efforts to recover the stolen rifle and apprehend the suspects.

Police have assured residents that security operations will continue until those responsible are brought to justice.

Four suspected cultists and alleged hitmen linked to a series of violent crimes in Lagos have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command during an intelligence-led operation in Ojo Local Government Area.

Police said the suspects were apprehended at a hotel in Ajanmgbadi following credible intelligence and are believed to be connected to killings and other criminal activities that have reportedly terrorised residents in parts of Ojo and surrounding communities.

The operation marks another step in the Lagos State Command’s ongoing efforts to combat cult-related violence and improve public safety across the state.

Who Are the Suspects?

According to the police, the suspects have been identified as:

Emmanuel Nwokolo, also known as “Oblo” (35)

Ayola Israel, also known as “Essy Pawpaw” (39)

Ebuka Nnamdi (31)

Chinedu Okafor (22)

The Lagos State Police Command said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to violent crimes in Ajanmgbadi and nearby areas.

Investigators also reportedly recovered a video from one of the suspects’ mobile phones which allegedly showed the killing of unidentified individuals within the community and its environs.

Police said the suspects confessed during interrogation to being members of the Aiye Confraternity and admitted involvement in a series of violent attacks.

The claims have not yet been independently verified in court.

Firearms and Ammunition Recovered

Further searches conducted by police operatives led to the recovery of:

Two locally fabricated pistols

One revolver pistol

Thirteen live cartridges

Police believe the weapons may have been used in the commission of various crimes under investigation.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities and identify other members of the alleged criminal network.

Why This Matters

Cult-related violence remains a major security concern in several parts of Lagos and other Nigerian states, often resulting in killings, intimidation, and disruption of community life.

Security analysts say intelligence-driven operations and community cooperation are critical to reducing the influence of violent gangs and criminal cult groups.

Residents in affected communities have repeatedly called for stronger security measures amid concerns over recurring clashes and targeted attacks.

The latest arrests are likely to reassure residents who have expressed fears over safety in parts of Ojo and surrounding areas.

Police React

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, commended the officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime.

According to a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi, the Commissioner said the command remains determined to remove criminal elements from the state and bring offenders to justice.

“The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the State of crime and other criminal elements threatening public safety, and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.”

The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

What Happens Next?

Police said investigations are continuing to uncover additional suspects and establish possible links to other unresolved criminal cases.

The four suspects are expected to be charged in court once investigations are completed.

As with all criminal matters, they remain suspects until proven guilty by a court of law.

The Oyo State Police Command says it has recovered a locally fabricated firearm, vandalised cables and other suspected stolen items while arresting three suspects in Oyo town as part of ongoing efforts to tackle crime in the state.

According to the police, the operation began after a resident reported the theft of a welding machine, leading investigators to a scrap metal shop where the stolen property was allegedly traced.

The police said the discovery led to the recovery of additional items suspected to be linked to criminal activities, including cables reportedly belonging to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Oyo and vehicle air-conditioning components believed to have been stolen.

How the arrests happened

The Command said the case started when Akanni Hamsat, a 42-year-old resident of Bara Apaara in Oyo, reported that his welding machine had been stolen from his shop.

According to the police, the complainant carried out his own inquiries and traced the machine to a scrap shop within the community.

Acting on the information, officers attached to the Durbar Division reportedly raided the premises and arrested the scrap shop owner, identified as Suhaib Abdulwahab, 30, of Akunlemu Area, Oyo.

A search of the premises allegedly uncovered a locally fabricated pistol, armour cables said to belong to NTA Oyo, and several vehicle air-conditioning components suspected to be stolen.

Two more suspects arrested

Police investigators said further inquiries led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Kabiril Mustapha and Abdullah Abdullah, both aged 25 and residents of Akunlemu Area.

Authorities believe the pair may be connected to the recovered items and ongoing investigations.

The recovered exhibits have been taken into police custody while detectives work to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify any other possible accomplices.

Police said the suspects are cooperating with investigators.

Why it matters

Cable vandalism and property theft remain persistent concerns in many Nigerian communities, often disrupting public services, increasing repair costs and affecting businesses.

Security analysts say the recovery of infrastructure materials and suspected stolen goods could help reduce losses suffered by public institutions and private property owners if prosecutions are successfully pursued.

The seizure of a firearm during the operation also raises concerns about the potential use of illegal weapons in property-related crimes.

Police appeal for public support

In a statement, the Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

“The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and urges members of the public to continue supporting the Police by providing timely, credible, and actionable information that will assist in preventing and combating crime across the state.”

The Command also reassured residents that security agencies remain vigilant.

“Members of the public are hereby reassured that there is no cause for alarm, as the Command remains vigilant and is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of residents.”

What happens next?

Police investigators are expected to continue examining the origin of the recovered items, establish ownership of the suspected stolen property and determine whether additional arrests will be made.

The suspects may face formal charges if sufficient evidence is established following the conclusion of investigations.