Osun State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected hoodlums following the killing of a 14-year-old boy identified as Ezekiel Olapade and the injury of another person during a shooting incident near the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat, Ilobu.

The police also revealed that the deceased, Olapade, was reportedly struck by a stray bullet when armed men opened fire close to the council secretariat on Sunday afternoon.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said officers had commenced investigations and were intensifying efforts to apprehend the prime suspect, identified as Saheed, popularly known as “Tanfeani”, alongside others believed to have participated in the attack.

“The incident happened this afternoon near the entrance of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Ilobu. One Saheed, also known as Tanfeani, came with other thugs and started shooting. In the process, a bullet hit Ezekiel Olapade, aged 14, and he died on the spot.”

According to the police, another victim whose identity had yet to be established also sustained gunshot wounds and was receiving treatment in hospital.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen had assembled near the local government secretariat and were allegedly attempting to gain access to the premises when they noticed a man wearing a cap bearing the colours of a political party at a nearby palm wine joint.

The relaxation spot, located opposite the council secretariat, was reportedly owned by the deceased’s mother and had several patrons present when the attackers advanced towards the area.

A resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the assailants fired indiscriminately, causing people at the scene to flee in different directions.

“We were all relaxing there when the incident happened. As soon as we saw the armed men advancing towards us, everybody started running.

“The boy who died was probably not the target of those hoodlums. They were shooting in our direction and, in the confusion, Ezekiel was hit by a bullet and died on the spot,” the witness said.

The witness also added that the injured victim was the individual wearing the political party-coloured cap.

The police, however, confirmed that the suspected attackers remained at large and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to bring those responsible to justice.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two suspected kidnappers during an operation in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.

The development was contained in a post shared on X on Monday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.

According to the post, the suspects were arrested at about 6:00 p.m. on Sunday following credible intelligence on the activities of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.

Sources said troops of the 5 Brigade worked with members of the Hybrid Force to carry out the operation, providing support that led to the successful tracking and arrest of the suspects.

During the operation, security operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine from the suspects.

“The suspects and the recovered arms have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action,” the report said.

The military said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.

Operation Hadin Kai has continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at weakening the activities of terrorists and criminal groups across Borno and the wider North-East.

Nigerian troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims, foiled planned terrorist attacks and arrested suspected extremists in a series of intelligence-led operations across Kaduna and Zamfara states.

The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 1 responded to a distress call on June 18 regarding the movement of armed bandits in a forest area in Kerawa, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

During the operation, the troops rescued Mrs Bilkisu Hayatu, 38, Mrs Habibah Sadisu, 30, and a one-year-old child, Abdulmutallib Sadisu, who were reportedly abandoned by fleeing bandits after sighting advancing troops.

The victims were evacuated to a primary healthcare facility in Kadage for medical treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that they were abducted from Kajenjere Tami Village in Birnin Yero on May 17 and were being moved to a terrorist hideout in Birnin Gwari before their rescue.

In a separate operation on June 20, troops of Sector 2, working alongside other security agencies, foiled a planned terrorist attack on Gamdanda Village in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Acting on intelligence, the troops laid an ambush on the outskirts of Gummi community and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to retreat.

Military authorities said weapons, ammunition, eight motorcycles and assorted food items were recovered during the operation.

The statement also disclosed that troops, in collaboration with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency, conducted a covert operation in Zamfara State which led to the arrest of four suspected violent extremists and informants.

Several incriminating items were reportedly recovered from the suspects, who are currently in custody for further investigation.

Similarly, troops arrested a suspected terrorist identified as Muhammad Mamman after inconsistencies were observed in his account of his identity and activities. He is also undergoing investigation.

Meanwhile, troops operating in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State repelled a terrorist attack after receiving reinforcement from troops of 1 Brigade.

According to the military, the terrorists suffered significant casualties during the encounter, as indicated by blood trails along their withdrawal route. However, three soldiers were killed during the operation.

In another development, troops acting on intelligence intercepted terrorists riding motorcycles towards Tudun Barade and Badamma villages in Bakura Local Government Area.

The military said an aggressive fighting patrol forced the terrorists to abandon their mission and retreat before carrying out any attack, allowing troops to secure the affected communities.