The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed a reported threat by terrorists to target Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area, in the state.
The police said they have increased security in the community, with patrols, stop-and-search operations, and surveillance already in place.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan, the state capital, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that a handwritten message in both Yoruba and English was purportedly left in front of a residential structure in the community.
This comes after a 12-man alleged bandit group raided the Oloka village in Oriire LGA about 11:30 p.m. on January 7, killing five National Park Service officials in their offices.
Ayanlade added that Femi Haruna, the Commissioner of Police, had authorized the State Intelligence Department, in close conjunction with tactical units, to begin an exhaustive debriefing of all individuals involved in the note’s discovery.
He noted that armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance, and strategic area dominance have all been greatly strengthened.
The PPRO said, “Police personnel are currently on 24-hour high alert, with sustained ground presence to deny criminal elements any opportunity to operate or exploit the situation. The Area Command has also been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage across the affected axis.
“The command has launched a thorough and intelligence-driven investigation into the origin, authenticity, and intent of the said note.”
Ayanlade told people that no effort would be spared in determining the truth about the threat and that any individuals or groups proven to be responsible would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.
He reminded the state’s residents that there is no need to fear, saying that rigorous security measures have been fully engaged and are already in place to protect lives and property.
The PPRO also advised civilians to immediately report any suspicious individuals, movements, or activities to the nearest police station, security post, or established emergency channels, stating that timely information is important to preventive policing.
