Suspected bandits ambushed and injured several members of the private security team attached to Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemi, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, during an operation in the Old Oyo National Park in Oyo state. The incident occurred when the Iru Ekun operatives, a security group associated with Igboho, were tracking kidnappers and other armed criminals believed to be operating within the large forest reserve.
Ambush During Drone-Assisted Surveillance
According to reports from Tribune, sources familiar with the development disclosed that the operatives had deployed surveillance drones to identify the hideout of the suspected criminals and monitor the armed groups' movements before advancing into the area. The mission turned violent when the team came under attack from suspected terrorists, described as members of cross-border criminal networks. The sources explained that the suspected bandits opened fire on the security personnel as they advanced, triggering a fierce gun battle inside the forest.
Public Reactions Highlight Support and Concerns
The news has generated widespread reactions from Nigerians on social media. A user named Samueli commended Igboho but criticized the publicity around the operation: "I like his courage and willingness to help, but the issue I have is the unnecessary broadcasting of their whereabouts. What happened to moving in silence? These people are too connected for anyone to be foolish about the mode of operation." Another user, Daniel, recounted a personal encounter: "If it's the Sunday Igboho I saw at Terminal B on Friday evening departing Abuja, man is fine and living his life. I was surprised to see that he actually looks fresher IRL than the media images/videos I've seen of him."
Questions Over Operational Transparency
A user named Fabulous prayed for the operatives: "I pray for safety for everyone involved in securing every inch of the country. My concern is, since the military has surrounded them and is closing in on them, how did that ambush happen again?" Honeyedcrown said Igboho's movement into the forest should have been conducted quietly: "Even their movement into the forest should have been done quietly without cameras. Those guys knew they were coming, which is why they were ready and waiting to ambush them." Sheriff praised Igboho's efforts: "There is nothing I fear more than our hypocrisy. Whoever stands up to go and fight bandits is doing all of us a huge favour, and they are not stupid like some of you disparaging their brave mission."
Background: Igboho's Ultimatum to Fulani Leaders
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Northern Elders Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum had warned about the potential of Nigeria turning into anarchy if the federal government does not intervene in the outbursts of the self-acclaimed Yoruba Nation agitator. Igboho was recently reported to have issued an ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Oyo state over the abduction of a pregnant woman and her relatives.
