By SUNTV Global Channel | January 7, 2026
Fresh details have emerged on the deadly attack that claimed the lives of five forest guards in Oyo State, as the police disclosed how armed bandits carried out the operation late Tuesday night.
According to the Oyo State Police Command, the attack occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on January 6, 2026, when around 12 armed men emerged from surrounding bushes and opened sporadic gunfire on the National Forest Rangers’ Office at Oloka Village, along the Ikoyi-Ile axis of the state.
The assailants reportedly struck swiftly, unleashing heavy gunfire on the facility before fleeing the scene into the forest, leaving five forest guards dead.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, immediately led heads of sister security agencies and the Commandant of the National Forest Rangers on an on-the-spot security assessment of the affected area.
During a meeting with community leaders in Oloka, the police commissioner expressed deep condolences to the families of the slain officers and assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force, working closely with other security agencies, is fully committed to preventing a recurrence.
The police also dismissed reports that the surrounding community was attacked, clarifying that the assault was strictly targeted at the National Forest Rangers’ Office.
DSP Olayinka noted that swift deployment of police operatives and operational assets immediately after the incident helped to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.
“Upon receipt of the information, all available operatives were mobilised to the area, which prevented further attacks and a possible breakdown of law and order,” the statement said.
He added that the Area Commander, Divisional Police Officer of Ikoyi Division, tactical units, and other operatives were deployed to secure the community, protect residents, and gather evidence at the scene.
The remains of the fallen forest guards have since been deposited, while the crime scene was forensically examined to recover vital evidence.
As part of intensified security measures, CP Haruna ordered the reinforcement of personnel in the area, including the deployment of additional intelligence officers, tactical teams, and mobile police units to boost surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response.
The commissioner also directed that “no stone must be left unturned” in ensuring the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.
Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with preliminary findings already yielding promising leads.
Reiterating the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Oyo State, the police assured residents that all necessary steps are being taken to track down the attackers and bring them to justice.
CP Haruna further commended the Inspector-General of Police for his continuous support, noting that it has strengthened the operational capacity of the Command in tackling security challenges.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information to aid the ongoing investigation.
— SUNTV Global Channel, reporting security and governance across Nigeria
