Security operations have been significantly intensified in Ikoyi-Ile, a rural community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, following intelligence indicating a planned violent attack by suspected armed bandits.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that it received credible information about a handwritten threat allegedly left by criminal elements in front of a residential building within the community, triggering an immediate security response across the area.
Okay News reports that the development comes amid heightened concerns over rural insecurity in parts of Nigeria, particularly after a recent deadly incident in the same local government area involving armed attackers.
According to a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Olayinka Ayanlade, the note was written in both Yoruba and English languages and warned residents of an impending attack.
The handwritten message, allegedly authored by suspected bandits, stated:
From Bandits:
We will attack on January 20, 2026, make preparations for our attack. We will unleash terror and come bring nothing but tears and pains in Ikoyi-Ile, Oyo state. Prepare for us
Security concerns in the area intensified earlier in the week when a group of about twelve suspected bandits reportedly invaded Oloka community, also in Oriire Local Government Area, at approximately 11:30 pm, killing five officers of the National Park Service while they were on duty in their office.
Reacting to the threat, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, ordered the immediate activation of the command’s intelligence and tactical response framework to prevent any potential attack.
Ayanlade explained that the State Intelligence Department, working closely with specialized tactical units, has begun intensive debriefing of individuals linked to the discovery of the threatening note.
He added that armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance, and strategic security deployments have been reinforced across Ikoyi-Ile and surrounding communities.
“The command wishes to inform members of the public that it has received credible information regarding a handwritten note, written in both Yoruba and English languages, allegedly dropped in front of a residential building in Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State,” Ayanlade said.
“The note is purported to have been authored by suspected bandits, threatening an attack on the Ikoyi-Ile community.”
He further disclosed that police personnel have been placed on twenty-four-hour high alert, with sustained ground operations designed to deny criminal elements any opportunity to exploit the situation.
The Area Command overseeing the axis has also been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage to ensure rapid response to any security breach.
The police spokesman stated that a comprehensive and intelligence-driven investigation has been launched to determine the origin, authenticity, and intent behind the note.
Ayanlade assured residents that the police would leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth and ensuring that any individuals or groups responsible are dealt with in accordance with Nigerian law.
The Oyo State Police Command urged residents to remain calm, emphasizing that robust security measures are already in place to protect lives and property.
Citizens were also encouraged to promptly report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or security post, noting that timely information remains critical to preventive policing.
“Members of the public are encouraged to go about their lawful daily activities without fear, while remaining security-conscious,” the Police Public Relations Officer added.
