Police Tactical Teams Clash in Ifon, Osun

Residents of Ajegunle, Ifon-Osun, were left frightened on Tuesday night after a reported gunshot was followed by a confrontation between two Nigeria Police Force tactical teams.

The incident occurred at about 9:45pm on September 8, 2026, after the Olufon Palace reportedly contacted the Ifon Police Division about a gunshot heard around Ajegunle.

According to a police situation report obtained by SaharaReporters, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately led officers to the area to establish what had happened.

However, the responding team reportedly found two separate police tactical teams in a heated confrontation. The officers were allegedly arguing and “attacking themselves”, creating further fear among residents.

One of the groups was identified as the Anti-Robbery Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Osogbo, led by DSP Kolawole Wasiu and four other officers.

The second group was reportedly a tactical team from Zone XI, led by Inspector Ola Isaac and four other officers.

The police report stated that both groups had been involved in the confrontation when the DPO arrived. It also noted that neither tactical team had informed the Ifon Police Division of its presence in the area before the incident.

Concerned about the development, the DPO reportedly contacted the Osun State Commissioner of Police and briefed him on the situation.

The Commissioner subsequently ordered that the two tactical teams be disarmed and detained while an investigation was conducted into the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

Police officers attached to both teams were reportedly disarmed and detained at the division after the order was issued.

Senior officers among those detained were also directed to report to the division by 6am on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, according to the report.

The incident caused significant panic in Ajegunle, particularly after residents first heard the reported gunshot and then witnessed the confrontation between the two police groups.

The circumstances that led to the presence of both tactical teams in the area, as well as what triggered their confrontation, remain subject to investigation.

Attempts to obtain a response from the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi Zechariah, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls.

The reported confrontation has also raised concerns about coordination among police tactical units. Similar clashes and coordination problems involving security teams have previously caused confusion and fear in communities across Nigeria.

For residents of Ifon, the immediate concern is the return of calm following the disturbing events that unfolded on Tuesday night.

What steps should the police take to prevent clashes between tactical units from causing fear in communities?