NIGERIA: Gunmen Attack Immigration Passport Office in Ogbomoso, Steal Rifle

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Oyo State Police Command has launched an investigation into an attack on the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Office in Ogbomoso, where armed hoodlums assaulted officers and stole a rifle.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday when about five assailants reportedly scaled the facility’s rear perimeter fence and invaded the premises.

The attackers allegedly assaulted two Immigration officers on night duty with sticks and other dangerous weapons before fleeing with a G3 rifle, ammunition, a mobile phone, a generating set, and a motorcycle battery.

Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the suspects escaped through the same route they used to gain access to the office.

“The hoodlums reportedly attacked two Immigration officers who were on night duty, assaulting them with sticks and other dangerous weapons before making away with a G3 rifle assigned to the office, together with ammunition attached thereto,” the statement said.

The injured officers have received medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

The police said surveillance and tactical teams have intensified operations in the area, including combing nearby bushes and possible escape routes to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen weapon.

“Intelligence assets and informants have been activated to generate actionable information capable of leading to the arrest of the suspects,” the command stated.

Commissioner of Police Abimbola Olugbenga has directed all operational and intelligence units to deploy available resources to ensure the arrest of those responsible.

The police also disclosed that a joint task team comprising officers of the Oyo State Police Command and the Nigeria Immigration Service has been established to strengthen efforts aimed at tracking down the attackers.

Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as investigations continue.