The Oyo State Police Command has heightened security presence in Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area, following intelligence indicating a possible attack by suspected bandits.
The alert followed the discovery of a handwritten threat letter, reportedly written in Yoruba and English, and allegedly dropped in front of a residential building in the community. The note warned residents to brace for violence and reportedly fixed January 20, 2026, as the intended date of attack, promising terror, pain and destruction.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, ordered an immediate and comprehensive security response upon receiving the report.
According to him, the command’s intelligence, tactical and operational units have been fully mobilised to neutralise the threat. He said the State Intelligence Department, working alongside tactical teams, has commenced intensive debriefing of individuals connected to the discovery of the note.
Ayanlade added that security assets have been strategically deployed across Ikoyi-Ile and neighbouring communities, with reinforced armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance and area domination now in place. Police personnel, he said, have also been placed on 24-hour high alert to deny criminal elements any operational space.
“The Area Command has been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage across the affected areas,” he said, noting that an intelligence-driven investigation is ongoing to establish the origin, authenticity and intent of the threatening message.
The development comes days after a violent attack in Oloka community, also in Oriire Local Government Area, where about 12 suspected bandits reportedly stormed a National Park Service office at night and killed five officers.
The police assured residents that all necessary measures were being taken to safeguard lives and property, urging them to remain calm and vigilant. The command also appealed to the public to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
Residents were encouraged to continue their lawful activities without fear, while remaining security-conscious.
