Bandits attacked the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Office in Ogbomoso on Tuesday night, beating two officers and carting away a G3 rifle, ammunition, and other valuables.
Oyo State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, five gunmen scaled the perimeter fence at the rear of the facility around 8:45 p.m. The office borders a bushland that gave the attackers cover.
The hoodlums assaulted the night-duty officers with sticks and other weapons before escaping with the rifle, ammunition, a mobile phone, generating set, and motorcycle battery. Both injured officers are now stable in hospital.
“Surveillance and tactical teams have combed adjoining bushes and escape routes,” the Command said in the statement signed by PPRO DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
Intelligence assets and informants have been activated to track the suspects, the statement quoted.
CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga has ordered all units to deploy resources for immediate arrest and recovery of the stolen weapon. The Commissioner and Oyo State Immigration Comptroller have also set up a joint task team to coordinate the manhunt.
Police urged Ogbomoso residents to report suspicious movement, assuring confidentiality for informants.