IBADAN, — The Oyo State Police Command says it has intercepted a truck conveying materials suspected to be explosives in the Sango area of Ibadan, arresting the driver and taking the items into custody for forensic examination.
In a statement on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said the interception followed an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation. He disclosed that the driver was detained alongside 42 suspected explosive materials, while a comprehensive investigation has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna.
Olayinka said the command has deployed specialised personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) unit to secure the exhibits and conduct detailed forensic analysis to determine the exact nature of the materials and their intended use. He added that residents should remain calm, noting that updates will be provided as investigations progress.
The development comes amid heightened security sensitivity in parts of Oyo State following a separate incident in which an Inspector of Police was killed during an attack on police operatives at the Budo Masalasi Border Post. Police identified the officer as Inspector Aliu Oluwole, saying he died while repelling the attackers, who reportedly escaped with his AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds (breach number 4516).
Olayinka said preliminary findings indicate that some of the assailants sustained gunshot injuries in the encounter and are being pursued by security operatives, with an “immediate manhunt” and thorough investigation already underway.
Authorities have not publicly established any operational link between the Ibadan interception and the border-post attack. However, police urged the public to support ongoing investigations by reporting individuals with gunshot wounds, those seeking suspicious medical attention, or anyone exhibiting unusual behaviour to the nearest police station or other security agency.
