The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a planned bandit attack on Elebe Village, Aleniboro, via Irawo Mine in Atisbo Local Government Area, killing two suspected bandits in the process.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the operation followed credible intelligence from a good Samaritan who alerted security operatives to the presence of about 10 armed men concealed in a farm settlement within Elebe Village.

According to him, the suspects, described as armed Fulani men, were allegedly planning to attack the community under the cover of darkness. They were said to be armed with two AK-47 rifles, single-barreled guns, and cut-to-size locally made pistols.

Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer in Tede Division informed the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, who ordered the immediate deployment of additional operational assets.

Policemen, working in collaboration with members of the Agbekoya local hunters in Aleniboro, mobilised to the hideout. On sighting the security team, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a gun duel.

During the exchange, two of the bandits were neutralised, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

A reinforcement patrol team later combed the surrounding bush. It recovered one cut-to-size locally made pistol, one empty cartridge, two live cartridges, two expended 7.62mm AK-47 shells, quantities of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, two Tecno phones, and a bottle containing a substance believed to be a mixed drink.

The police said the area has since been secured, while surveillance and bush-combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and eliminate any residual threat.

The command commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his support and strategic leadership.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security agencies to aid the fight against criminality.