Bandits attacked a commercial agricultural facility in Oyo State on Thursday, January 16, 2026, abducting an Indian national and killing a police officer in an incident that has deepened concerns over the expanding footprint of armed groups in southwestern Nigeria.
The attack took place around 1:00 pm at Aqua Triton Company, a large-scale agricultural farm located in Ogunmakin community, along the Ibadan axis. According to security sources, about 10 heavily armed bandits stormed the farm in broad daylight, overwhelming security personnel on duty and escaping into nearby bush paths.
The incident marks one of the most serious security breaches in the area in recent months and reinforces growing warnings from state authorities about the migration of bandit groups into Oyo State.
Indian Company Director Abducted During Farm Inspection
During the raid, the attackers abducted 42-year-old Renjith Pillai, an Indian expatriate and director at Aqua Triton Company. Sources disclosed that Pillai was inspecting crops on the farm when the assailants struck.
A security source familiar with the incident said four officers of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) had been deployed to guard the facility. However, the attackers arrived in coordinated fashion, suggesting prior surveillance of the farm’s operations and security layout.
“The bandits targeted the expatriate directly and attempted to withdraw swiftly,” the source revealed, adding that the attackers appeared determined to secure a high-value kidnapping target.
Police Inspector Killed While Resisting Kidnappers
In a courageous effort to foil the abduction, Inspector Imoobe Prester confronted the gunmen. Witnesses said the officer engaged the attackers, refusing to surrender the expatriate without resistance.
Tragically, during the exchange, the bandits shot the inspector and fled the scene with his AK-47 rifle, escaping into the surrounding forest with the abducted expatriate.
The injured officer was rushed for urgent medical treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. His death has sent shockwaves through the police community in Oyo State, highlighting the increasing risks faced by security personnel deployed to rural and semi-urban areas.
Joint Security Operations Launched Across Ogunmakin Bushes
Following the attack, the Oyo State Police Command immediately launched a coordinated manhunt for the perpetrators. A joint security task force was deployed, comprising officers from the Idi-Ayure Police Division, PMF units, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and other tactical formations.
Local hunters and vigilante groups familiar with the terrain were also mobilised to assist in combing the forests and tracking possible escape routes used by the bandits.
According to police sources, intelligence from villagers and farm workers is being actively analysed to pinpoint the suspects’ movement and location. Authorities are also working to recover the stolen rifle, which poses an additional security threat if left in criminal hands.
Fallen Officer’s Body Deposited for Autopsy
The remains of Inspector Imoobe Prester have been deposited at the Adeoyo Hospital morgue along Ring Road, Ibadan, for preservation and autopsy. Senior police officers have reportedly reached out to the officer’s family, while arrangements are expected to be made for formal honours.
The police command described the slain officer as “brave and dedicated,” noting that his actions reflected the sacrifice many officers continue to make in the face of rising insecurity.
Public Urged to Assist Rescue Efforts
Meanwhile, the police have appealed to residents to provide any information that could assist in rescuing the abducted expatriate and apprehending the suspects. Security agencies emphasised that credible intelligence from the public could prove decisive in ending the operation quickly.
Residents around Ogunmakin and neighbouring communities have been advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest security post.
Makinde’s Earlier Warning on Bandits Resurfaces
The latest attack has renewed attention on an earlier warning by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who cautioned that bandits fleeing sustained military offensives in northwestern Nigeria were relocating to parts of Oyo State.
Governor Makinde raised the alarm during the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held in Agodi, Ibadan. At the time, he attributed the development to intensified military pressure in the Northwest, which has disrupted bandit strongholds and forced criminal elements to seek new operational zones.
The governor had vowed that his administration would not allow Oyo State to become a safe haven for fleeing bandits, promising decisive security action in collaboration with federal agencies.
Growing Concerns Over Rural Security in Southwest Nigeria
The bandits attack on the Oyo farm underscores a troubling pattern of rural insecurity spreading beyond Nigeria’s traditional flashpoints. Agricultural facilities, expatriate workers, and security operatives are increasingly becoming targets, raising fears about food security, foreign investment, and community safety.
As investigations continue, residents and stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the perpetrators will be swiftly apprehended and whether stronger preventive measures will be put in place to curb further attacks.
For now, the Ogunmakin incident stands as a grim reminder that the battle against banditry remains far from over—and that its consequences are being felt in new and unexpected regions.
