The Oyo State Police Command has intercepted a truck conveying items suspected to be explosive devices in Saki, Oke Ogun area of the state, while suspected bandits, in a separate incident, ambushed a police patrol team and killed an Inspector of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade. He said the suspected explosives were intercepted during a stop-and-search operation in Saki, following credible intelligence.
According to him, the driver of the truck has been arrested, while both the vehicle and the suspected explosive materials are currently in police custody.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command intercepted a truck conveying materials suspected to be explosive devices during a stop-and-search operation in Saki, Oyo State,” Ayanlade said.
He added that upon being briefed, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Specialised officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit were subsequently deployed to safely secure the items for forensic examination.
“Detailed forensic analysis has commenced alongside a thorough investigation to determine the exact nature of the items and their intended use. The driver is in custody and cooperating fully with investigators,” the statement added.
Inspector Killed in Patrol Ambush
In a related development, the Command confirmed that suspected bandits ambushed a police patrol team at the Budo Masalasi border post area of the state on Saturday, killing an Inspector in the line of duty.
The officer reportedly died from injuries sustained during the attack, while other personnel suffered varying degrees of injury. The identity of the deceased Inspector was not disclosed.
Confirming the incident, Ayanlade said the Inspector “paid the supreme price while courageously repelling the attack.”
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate manhunt and a comprehensive investigation into the ambush, noting that preliminary findings indicate some of the attackers sustained gunshot wounds.
“Operatives are currently on their trail. Members of the public are urged to report individuals with gunshot injuries, those seeking medical attention under suspicious circumstances, or any suspicious movements in their communities,” he said.
The Command reassured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place across the state and reaffirmed its commitment to apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
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