Police search for gunmen after attack on Oyo immigration office

The Oyo State Police said on Wednesday that they have started looking into the invasion of the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Office in Ogbomoso. Armed men reportedly took away a rifle, ammunition, and other valuable items during the raid.

Reports show that the incident happened on Tuesday night at the immigration office along the Ogbomoso, Ilorin Expressway, close to the NNPC filling station.

A witness said the attackers struck while people were still busy at the nearby Ayanyan Cattle Market.

"The attackers stormed the facility and overpowered the officers on duty. During the attack, the officers lost their firearms," the witness said.

The witness added that the gunmen escaped into the night after the raid.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan, the state capital. He said the command has started a thorough investigation into the attack.

The statement said, "The Oyo State Police Command has begun a thorough investigation into the attack on the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Office in Ogbomoso after armed men invaded the office on Tuesday, June 2, 2026."

"Initial information available to the Command shows that around 8:45 p.m., the officer in charge of the office raised an alarm after armed men jumped over the perimeter fence from the back."

"After receiving the distress report, we sent reinforcements from our Command Monitoring Unit and surveillance teams to the scene to help and assess the situation."

According to police, early findings indicated that about five armed men got into the office through a back fence that borders a large bush area.

"The armed men attacked two immigration officers on night duty, using sticks and other dangerous weapons before taking a G3 rifle assigned to the office along with its ammunition."

"They also stole a mobile phone from one of the officers, a generator set, and a motorcycle battery before escaping through the same route," the statement added.

The police said the injured officers have received medical care and are in stable condition.

Ayanlade also said that surveillance and tactical teams have stepped up operations in and around the area. They are searching nearby bushes and suspected escape routes to catch the attackers and recover the stolen items.

"We have activated intelligence assets and informants to get actionable information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects. All necessary investigative and operational resources are being used to ensure we make progress in this case," he said.

He added that the command is working closely with the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies to make sure those responsible are caught.

The statement mentioned that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, has instructed all operational and intelligence units to use every available resource to track down the suspects.

It also noted, "The CP and the Oyo State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service have set up a joint task team to improve coordination and strengthen efforts to arrest everyone involved."

Abimbola assured residents of Ogbomoso and the surrounding areas that the command is dedicated to protecting lives and property. They want to stop criminal activities from taking root in the state.

The command also called on the public to stay alert and report any suspicious people or activities to the nearest police station.

"Any useful information that could help ongoing investigations can also be shared through the Command’s emergency channels. All information received will be kept confidential," the statement concluded.