Igboho Confirms Recovery Of Injured Operatives After Oyo Forest Ambush
Yoruba Nation advocate Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has confirmed that members of his private security outfit, Iru Ekun, who sustained injuries during an ambush by suspected bandits in the Old Oyo National Park, Oyo State, have fully recovered. Igboho disclosed this in a video message on Sunday, 28 June 2026, where he dismissed widespread rumours regarding his well-being and assured supporters that he was safe and in good health.
“I greet you, my fathers and mothers. It’s your son, Sunday Igboho. My brothers and sisters all over the world, today is the 28th of June, 2026. Rumours have been circulating, but I want to use this opportunity to assure all my loved ones across the world that I am safe. Those who sustained injuries have now recovered. We will not relent until those disturbing the peace of our land are driven out,” he said.
His statement came days after members of the Iru Ekun security outfit were ambushed during an operation within the Old Oyo National Park. The operatives were reportedly on a mission to track suspected kidnappers and other armed criminals believed to be operating within the forest reserve when they came under attack. Sources said the team had deployed surveillance drones to identify suspected criminal hideouts and monitor the movement of armed groups before advancing into the area. The operation, however, escalated into a fierce gun battle after heavily armed men, believed to be members of cross-border criminal networks, opened fire on the operatives.
A member of the team who participated in the mission described the shooting incident in a video. He said the team had entered the forest through the Igbeti axis when they encountered two young men in an unusual location deep inside the reserve. The suspects fled immediately after sighting the security team, prompting operatives to pursue them. According to him, the situation quickly escalated into a gun battle. In their attempt to capture them, the armed suspects started shooting at the operatives. He added that one team member was shot and five bullets entered his leg. The operative added that police officers attached to the team administered first aid before the injured member was evacuated from the forest for treatment. Several other operatives reportedly sustained minor injuries during the encounter.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns across parts of Oyo State, particularly communities surrounding the Old Oyo National Park. Oyo State’s forest reserve has repeatedly featured in reports of kidnappings and attacks carried out by armed groups operating within remote sections of the park and adjoining forests. The latest fears were heightened following the abduction of over 40 schoolchildren and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May 2026. According to Amnesty International, at least 1,000 people were kidnapped across Nigeria between January and April 2026. The victims from the Oyo abduction remain in captivity. Among those abducted was the principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Dada, Mrs Rachael Alamu. The crisis generated national attention after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in captivity.
In response to the escalating security crisis, the Oyo State Government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on 10 local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park, including Oriire, Orelope, Irepo, Saki West, Saki East, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Olorunsogo and Atiba. The restriction was designed to support ongoing efforts to flush out kidnappers and other criminal elements believed to be operating around the park. Authorities later lifted the curfew on 27 June 2026 following intensified security operations. Security sources involved in the rescue mission have identified the kidnappers as members of Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, widely known as Boko Haram.
Igboho’s latest statement also comes amid his recent criticism of some Fulani leaders over the wave of kidnappings and violent crimes affecting parts of Oyo State. The activist had earlier demanded the release of abducted victims in Igboho and warned that communities would continue to resist criminal activities threatening residents across the region. His comments followed growing public frustration over recurring kidnappings, particularly in communities bordering forests stretching across Oyo and neighbouring states.
Igboho rose to national prominence in January 2021 during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari after issuing an ultimatum to suspected criminal herders in parts of Ibarapa, Oyo State, accusing them of killings, kidnappings and attacks. Despite the recent attack, Igboho maintained that the operation had not weakened the group’s determination, insisting that efforts to rid the region of criminal elements would continue. “Until those kidnappers that are disturbing people on our land all leave, that is when we will rest. I assure you,” he said.