Oyo State Police Command has stepped up security operations in Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area of the state, following intelligence reports indicating a possible attack by suspected bandits.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that a handwritten threat note, written in both Yoruba and English, was allegedly found in front of a residential building in the community.

According to the police, the letter contained a threat of an impending attack on Ikoyi-Ile, warning residents to prepare for violence and indicating January 20, 2026, as the proposed date. The message reportedly promised terror, pain and destruction.

The development comes days after a violent incident in Oloka community, also in Oriire Local Government Area, where about 12 suspected bandits reportedly attacked a National Park Service office late at night and killed five officers.

Ayanlade said the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, had immediately ordered a comprehensive security response following the discovery of the note.

He explained that the command’s intelligence, tactical and operational units had been fully activated to address the threat.

“The Oyo State Police Command has received credible information regarding a handwritten note, written in Yoruba and English, allegedly dropped in front of a residential building in Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area,” Ayanlade stated.

“The note is believed to have been authored by suspected bandits, threatening an attack on the Ikoyi-Ile community. Upon receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police immediately activated the command’s intelligence, tactical and operational response architecture.”

He added that the State Intelligence Department, working closely with tactical units, has commenced intensive debriefing of all individuals linked to the discovery of the note, while security assets have been strategically deployed within Ikoyi-Ile and neighbouring communities.

As part of the heightened security measures, the police have reinforced armed patrols, stop-and-search operations, intelligence surveillance and strategic area domination across the axis. Police personnel have also been placed on 24-hour high alert, with sustained ground presence to deny criminal elements any opportunity to operate.

“The Area Command has been directed to maintain constant supervision and continuous patrol coverage across the affected areas,” Ayanlade said, noting that a detailed, intelligence-driven investigation has been launched to determine the origin, authenticity and intent of the threatening message.

The police spokesperson assured residents that the command would leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth behind the threat and ensuring that anyone found responsible is dealt with in accordance with the law.

He urged members of the public to remain calm, stressing that there was no cause for panic as robust security arrangements had already been put in place to protect lives and property.

Ayanlade also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station, security post or through established emergency channels.

“Members of the public are encouraged to go about their lawful daily activities without fear, while remaining security-conscious,” he added.