Suspected bandits have killed an inspector of the Nigeria Police Force during an ambush on a patrol team in Oyo State, heightening security concerns in the affected border community.
The incident occurred over the weekend at the Budo Masalasi border post area, where the police team was conducting routine patrol operations.
According to security sources, the officers were waylaid by armed assailants who opened fire without warning, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the confrontation, the inspector sustained critical gunshot injuries and later died. Other members of the patrol team were also wounded and taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Their conditions were still unclear as of the time of filing this report.
The identity of the deceased officer has not been released, in line with standard procedure, pending formal notification of his family by police authorities.
Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had launched a coordinated manhunt for the perpetrators.
Ayanlade disclosed that the Commissioner of Police ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident, stressing that the attackers would be brought to justice.
“There was an attack on police operatives during which an inspector, while courageously repelling the attack, paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” he said.
He added that preliminary findings suggested that some of the attackers may have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and that security operatives were already tracking their movements.
The police spokesperson assured residents across Oyo State that reinforced security measures were being deployed to forestall further attacks and to protect lives and property.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security agencies by reporting individuals with gunshot injuries, suspicious medical requests, or unfamiliar persons seeking refuge in their communities.
The killing has once again underscored growing concerns over violent attacks along border areas in the state, prompting renewed calls for sustained security surveillance and stronger intelligence-led operations.