Gunmen suspected of kidnapping have killed Dasola Sanusi, a Man O’War officer, following an ambush on motorists on the Ibadan-Ago-Iwoye Expressway, which connects Ogun and Oyo States.
Chronicle NG gathered on Tuesday from a source privy to the incident that the attack happened at about 6:30 pm on Saturday when the officers were returning from an outing.
The source, who requested anonymity due to the nature of the incident, stated that the officers came under heavy gunfire shortly after going through the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria location when armed individuals reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on vehicles on the route.
According to the source, despite the onslaught, the officers were able to flee the scene, although with bullet wounds.
They were then sent to a hospital in Ago-Iwoye for immediate medical care.
The source said, “At about 1830 hours on the 18th of April, 2026, we received the distressing news of a tragic attack on our officers who were returning from an outing in Ibadan.
“While en route to Ago-Iwoye, shortly after passing CRIN, their vehicle and other commuters came under sudden and violent assault by armed men suspected to be bandits, who opened fire indiscriminately on all vehicles within the vicinity.
“In the face of grave danger, our officers displayed remarkable courage and presence of mind, managing to navigate out of the attack zone despite sustaining gunshot wounds.”
According to the source, Sanusi was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, while another officer, named Emmanuel, who also sustained bullet injuries, is now being treated.
The source also stated that two other female operatives were hospitalized as a result of the incident’s trauma.
“They made their way to a nearby hospital in Ago-Iwoye for urgent medical attention. Sadly, upon arrival, one of our own, Patriot Sanusi Dasola, was confirmed dead.
“Her passing is a devastating loss to us all. Another officer, Patriot Emmanuel, who also sustained gunshot injuries, is currently receiving treatment.
“The remains of the deceased have since been buried at a cemetery in Ago-Iwoye following notification of her family members,” the source concluded.
In a phone call with our correspondent, Man O’War’s national spokesperson, Ibrahim Bello, confirmed Sanusi’s death and stated that the outfit was investigating the matter.
He mentioned that the victim died from the gunshot injuries sustained during the attack.
“We are still investigating. The incident occurred between Oyo and Ogun states. A female officer died in the attack,” Bello said.
The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident over the phone on Tuesday.
He stated that the gunmen were suspected of kidnapping and that the command had responded to the incident.
The PPRO said, “There was an attempted kidnapping involving some commercial vehicles along the said route. Upon receiving the information, operatives from the command stationed around the area swiftly mobilized to the scene, which prevented the attackers from abducting any passengers.
“Those injured were promptly rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. Sadly, one female victim later succumbed to the injuries she sustained.
“One of the affected vehicles reportedly proceeded to Awa–Ijebu, where its passengers were immediately conveyed to the hospital by the DPO of the concerned division in Ogun State.”
He, however, stated that he was unable to determine the number of victims because the injured were transferred from the area to Ogun State.
“However, I may not be in a position to confirm details regarding any casualties in Ogun State at this time, as I do not yet have a comprehensive brief of the incident in that jurisdiction,” Ayanlade concluded.
