Osun Govt Alleges Police Attacked Navy Personnel to Free Arrested Suspects, Seeks Tinubu's Intervention

Sunday, July 26, 2026 | AccordWatch | Osogbo

The Osun State Government has alleged that personnel of the Nigeria Police Force attacked officers of the Nigerian Navy in Ile-Ife in an attempt to secure the release of five suspects arrested during a security operation.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who described the reported incident as "a bizarre situation" and called for urgent intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the diplomatic community.

According to the state government, the incident followed an operation in Ile-Ife where armed hoodlums allegedly invaded parts of the town, including the Mayfair area, firing sporadically. The government claimed that personnel of the Nigerian Navy responded to distress calls from residents and arrested five suspects during the operation.

The statement further alleged that the Osun State Commissioner of Police requested the immediate release of the suspects but was informed by the Naval Command that approval from higher authorities would be required before any transfer could take place.

The government claimed that the police subsequently deployed mobile police officers to confront the naval personnel, alleging that teargas was fired at the Navy officers in an attempt to secure the release of the suspects.

According to the statement, while the suspects were allegedly released, the Navy retained five pump-action rifles said to have been recovered during the operation.

Describing the development as a dangerous escalation, the Osun State Government appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the state.

The government also called on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the reported incident and take steps to prevent further conflict between security agencies.

In addition, the state government appealed to members of the diplomatic community to closely monitor developments in Osun State and urged appropriate action against any security personnel found to be encouraging political violence.

The statement reiterated the government's call for professionalism, neutrality and adherence to the rule of law by all security agencies as political activities intensify ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the statement.