The Police Command in Oyo State has launched a full investigation into an attack by terrorists on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Passport Office in Ogbomoso on Tuesday.
This is contained in a statement signed by DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Ayanlade noted that the incident left two immigration officers injured and resulted in the theft of a service rifle and other valuables.
He further stated that the immigration officer-in-charge raised an alarm about 8.45 p.m. after hoodlums scaled the perimeter fence at the rear of the facility.
“On receiving the distress call, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit and surveillance teams were immediately deployed to the scene for intervention and assessment.
“Preliminary findings revealed that about five assailants gained access through the rear fence bordering a large expanse of bushland.
“The hoodlums attacked two Immigration officers on night duty, assaulting them with sticks and other dangerous weapons before carting away a G3 rifle assigned to the office along with its ammunition.
“The suspects also made away with a mobile phone belonging to one of the officers, a generating set, and a motorcycle battery, before escaping through the same route used to enter the premises,” he said.
According to Ayanlade, the injured officers have received medical attention and are currently in stable condition.
He added that the surveillance and tactical teams have intensified operations within and around the area, including combing adjoining bushes and likely escape routes.
He said that the operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators and recovering the stolen firearms and other valuables.
The spokesperson added that all relevant investigative and operational resources have been deployed to ensure a swift breakthrough in the case.
“Intelligence assets and informants have also been activated to generate actionable information that can lead to arrests.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed all operational and intelligence units to deploy every available resource toward the prompt arrest of those responsible.
“A collaborative task team has been jointly constituted with the State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, to strengthen coordination and enhance efforts at apprehending all persons involved,” he said.
He reassured residents of Ogbomoso and environs that the command remains resolute in protecting lives and property and preventing criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the state.
Ayanlade urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities through the command’s emergency channels, assuring that all information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
