Five officers of Nigeria’s National Park Service were killed on Tuesday night when suspected bandits launched a deadly assault on a park facility in Oyo State, in what authorities believe was a cross-border attack, officials said.

The attack occurred at the National Park Service office in Oloka village, Orire Local Government Area, where armed assailants reportedly stormed the premises and opened fire on forest guards on duty.

The officers were carrying out routine security duties at the time of the attack.

Governor Seyi Makinde, confirming the incident earlier on Wednesday, described the killings as a “devastating loss” and paid tribute to the fallen officers, who he said died in the lawful discharge of their responsibilities.

He extended condolences to their families and colleagues, adding that investigations were already underway.

Preliminary findings by security agencies indicate that the assailants were bandits who crossed into the area from outside the state.

Authorities said multiple security agencies are now working jointly to track down those responsible and prevent further attacks.

Residents in nearby communities have been urged to cooperate with security operatives, particularly by providing intelligence that could aid ongoing investigations.

Police sources said the attackers struck late at night, leaving several personnel dead and others injured.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced the deployment of tactical units and mobile police squads to the affected communities. Security patrols in and around the national park have since been intensified to restore calm and deter further violence.

The attack has heightened concerns over the growing reach of armed banditry into parts of southwestern Nigeria, traditionally considered less affected by such violence. Authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and strengthen security around critical conservation and public facilities.