The Oyo State Police Command on Wednesday said it had commenced an investigation into an invasion of the Nigeria Immigration Service office in Ogbomoso on Tuesday night, during which firearms belonging to officers on duty were allegedly carted away.
Investigation by The PUNCH revealed that the incident occurred around 10:00 pm at the Immigration office located along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway, near an NNPC filling station.
A source said, “The assailants stormed the facility while commercial activities were still ongoing at the nearby Ayanyan Cattle Market.
“During the attack, officers on duty were reportedly overpowered and dispossessed of their firearms. The exact number of weapons taken could not be immediately confirmed,” the source said.
It was further gathered that the attackers fled the scene under the cover of darkness.
Reacting to the incident in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan, the state capital, the Police Command said: “Oyo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the attack on the facility of the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Office in Ogbomoso, following an invasion by armed hoodlums on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026.”
The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, added: “Preliminary information available to the Command indicates that at about 8:45 pm, the officer in charge of the facility raised an alarm following the invasion of the premises by armed hoodlums who scaled the perimeter fence from the rear.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, immediate reinforcement comprising operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit and surveillance teams was deployed to the scene for intervention and assessment of the situation.
“Findings from the preliminary investigation revealed that the assailants, numbering about five, gained access to the premises through the rear fence bordering a large expanse of bushland.
“The hoodlums reportedly attacked two Immigration officers who were on night duty, assaulting them with sticks and other dangerous weapons before making away with a G3 rifle assigned to the office, together with ammunition attached thereto.
“The suspects also carted away a mobile phone belonging to one of the officers on duty, a generating set, and a motorcycle battery before escaping through the same route used to gain access to the facility.
“The injured officers have received necessary medical attention and are currently in stable condition.
“Meanwhile, surveillance and tactical teams have intensified operations within and around the area, including the combing of adjoining bushes and likely escape routes, in a determined effort to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen firearms and other valuables.
“Intelligence assets and informants have been activated to generate actionable information capable of leading to the arrest of the suspects, while all relevant investigative and operational resources have been deployed to ensure a swift breakthrough in the case.
“The Command, in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other sister security agencies, is working assiduously to ensure the prompt arrest of the perpetrators and recovery of the stolen items.”
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, directed all relevant operational and intelligence units to deploy every available resource to ensure the prompt arrest of those responsible.
It said: “The CP and the State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service have jointly constituted a collaborative task team to strengthen coordination and enhance efforts aimed at ensuring the arrest of all persons involved.”
The CP reassured residents of Ogbomoso and its environs that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and preventing criminal elements from gaining a foothold within the state.
The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police formation.
“Useful information that could assist ongoing investigations may also be communicated through the Command’s emergency channels. All information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” the statement added.
Read the full article here
