Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed a female Man O’War officer, Dasola Sanusi, following an ambush on commuters along the Ibadan–Ago-Iwoye Expressway, a road connecting Ogun and Oyo states.

It was learnt on Tuesday from a source privy to the incident that the attack happened at about 6:30 pm on Saturday when the officers were returning from an outing.

The source, who pleaded anonymity because of the nature of the incident, disclosed that the officers came under heavy gunfire shortly after passing the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria area, as the armed men reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on vehicles plying the route.

The source noted that despite the attack, the officers were able to escape from the scene, although some of them sustained gunshot wounds in the process.

They were subsequently rushed to a hospital in Ago-Iwoye for urgent medical attention.

The source said, “At about 1830 hours on the 18th of April, 2026, we received the distressing news of a tragic attack on our officers who were returning from an outing in Ibadan.

“While en route to Ago-Iwoye, shortly after passing CRIN, their vehicle and other commuters came under sudden and violent assault by armed men suspected to be bandits, who opened fire indiscriminately on all vehicles within the vicinity.

“In the face of grave danger, our officers displayed remarkable courage and presence of mind, managing to navigate out of the attack zone despite sustaining gunshot wounds.”

The source disclosed that Sanusi was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital, while another officer, identified as Emmanuel, who also sustained gunshot injuries, is currently receiving treatment.

The source added that two other female officers were hospitalised due to trauma resulting from the incident.

“They made their way to a nearby hospital in Ago-Iwoye for urgent medical attention. Sadly, upon arrival, one of our own, Patriot Sanusi Dasola, was confirmed dead.

“Her passing is a devastating loss to us all. Another officer, Patriot Emmanuel, who also sustained gunshot injuries, is currently receiving treatment.

“The remains of the deceased have since been buried at a cemetery in Ago-Iwoye following notification of her family members,” the source concluded.

Confirming Sanusi’s death in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, the national spokesperson for Man O’War, Ibrahim Bello, said the organisation was investigating the matter.

He noted that the victim died from the gunshot injuries sustained during the attack.

“We are still investigating. The incident occurred between Oyo and Ogun states. A female officer died in the attack,” Bello said.

Also, the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Tuesday.

Ayanlade said the gunmen were suspected to be kidnappers and that the command had mobilised to the scene upon receiving information about the incident.

The PPRO said, “There was an attempted kidnapping involving some commercial vehicles along the said route. Upon receiving the information, operatives from the command stationed around the area swiftly mobilised to the scene, which prevented the attackers from abducting any passengers.

“Those injured were promptly rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. Sadly, one female victim later succumbed to the injuries she sustained.

“One of the affected vehicles reportedly proceeded to Awa–Ijebu, where its passengers were immediately conveyed to the hospital by the DPO of the concerned division in Ogun State.”

He, however, said he could not ascertain the casualties involved, as the injured persons were taken away from the scene to Ogun State.

“However, I may not be in a position to confirm details regarding any casualties in Ogun State at this time, as I do not yet have a comprehensive brief of the incident in that jurisdiction,” Ayanlade concluded. (The PUNCH)

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