RismadarVoice Reporters
January 8, 2026
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, on Wednesday visited the National Park Service (NPS) office at Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area, where he confirmed the death of five forest rangers killed in an attack by gunmen on Tuesday night.
The Commissioner disclosed that preliminary reports indicated that about 12 armed attackers emerged from adjoining bushes, opened sporadic gunfire on the rangers’ office, and fled the scene.
The visit was confirmed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, who said the Commissioner was accompanied by heads of sister security agencies.
The attack occurred at about 11:30p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, when the assailants stormed the National Park Service facility and shot the officers on duty.
According to the statement, Haruna immediately ordered the deployment of all available operatives and operational assets to the area, upon receiving information about the attack, a move that helped prevent further violence and a possible breakdown of law and order.
“The Area Commander, DPO Ikoyi Division, tactical teams, and other operatives were immediately deployed to secure the area, protect lives, and gather evidence,” the statement said.
During his visit, the Commissioner assessed the security situation of the facility, held an interactive session with community leaders of Oloka Community, where he expressed deep condolences over the loss of the officers, reassured residents of the Police Command’s commitment towards preventing recurrence.
“The CP reassured the community of the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, to safeguard lives and property,” the statement added.
Haruna disclosed that the attack was targeted solely at the National Forest Rangers’ office,
noting that the remains of the slain officers had been respectfully deposited, while the scene was forensically examined to collect evidence.
To strengthen security in the area, the Commissioner approved the deployment of additional intelligence operatives, tactical teams, and mobile police personnel to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response capabilities.
He further directed that no effort should be spared in ensuring the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, adding that investigations had already commenced, were yielding promising leads.
Reaffirming the Command’s resolve, Haruna assured residents of Oyo State that the Police would continue to take all necessary measures to protect lives and property.
The Commissioner also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for his continued support, which he said had strengthened the operational capacity of the Oyo State Police Command.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
