Many operatives attached to Iru Ekun, a private security outfit linked to Yoruba Nation advocate Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, were reportedly injured after suspected armed bandits ambushed them during a security clearance in the Old Oyo National Park.
The incident was said to have occurred while the operatives were conducting a mission aimed at flushing out suspected kidnappers and other armed criminal elements believed to be hiding within the vast forest reserve.
Sources familiar with the operation revealed that the team relied on surveillance drones to locate suspected criminal camps and monitor the movement of armed groups before advancing into the targeted area.
The operation reportedly turned into a fierce face-off when heavily armed men, believed to be members of cross-border criminal gangs, opened fire on the security operatives.
The ensuing exchange of gunfire left several members of the Iru Ekun outfit with gunshot injuries. The exact number of those wounded had yet to be officially confirmed at the time this report was filed.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the growing presence of suspected kidnappers, bandits and other armed groups operating from forests and isolated communities across parts of the South-West.
The authorities are yet to issue an official statement in respect to the development.
