The police force headquarters in Abuja has reported the gruesome deaths of six officers while conducting an operation in Delta State. The police had also reported that six other officers involved in the operation had gone missing.
According to Force Public Relations Officer Olumiyiwa Adejobi, the officers who died were ambushed by armed intruders while on a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest.
He identified the murdered policemen as Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT), Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF), Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF), Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF), Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT), and Sergeant Ejemito Friday. Inspectors Onoja Daniel, Onogho Felix, Emmanuel Okoroafor, Joel Hamidu, and Sergeant Moses Eduvie, all of 51 PMF, are presently missing in action, as is Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT).
Adejobi said in a statement that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate payment of entitlements to the families of the deceased officers, just as plans are underway to posthumously honour the slain officers for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony on April 5 in Abuja.
He stated that five people had been arrested as a result of the heinous crime.
The statement reads; The Nigeria Police Force is profoundly saddened by the devastating loss of six (6) courageous officers in Delta State, who exhibited exceptional valour in the face of adversity. These brave officers tragically fell victim to a cowardly ambush by armed assailants while undertaking a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State, while six (6) others are currently missing-in-action. Our hearts extend to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers during this period of profound sorrow. We stand in solidarity with them, sending our heartfelt condolences and fervently praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.
Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT) enlisted on August 1, 2003; Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF) enlisted on January 1, 2003; Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF) enlisted on October 17, 2011; Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF) enlisted on October 17, 2011; Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT) enlisted on October 17, 2011; and Sergeant Ejemito Friday (51 PMF) enlisted on October 17, 2011. While the officers currently missing-in-action include Inspector Onoja Daniel, who enlisted on February 1, 2003; Inspector Onogho Felix, who enlisted on January 1, 2004; Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, who enlisted on April 1, 2004; Inspector Joel Hamidu, who enlisted on June 1, 2006; Sergeant Moses Eduvie, who enlisted on October 17, 2011, all of 51 PMF; and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT), who enlisted on October 17, 2011.
Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to commemorating the memories of our departed heroes by recognising their courage, devotion, and sacrifice. In compliance with this commitment, the Force will posthumously commemorate the slain officers for their heroic service and ultimate sacrifice during the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony on April 5th, 2024 in Abuja.
In response to this tragic death, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM, has taken decisive action, as expected. The bodies of six (6) of the dead officers have been discovered following a furious search by a combined team of police officers and other security personnel. The Force is currently focused on the search for the other six (6) officers, and all of their families have been contacted.
Furthermore, the Inspector General of Police has directed that all entitlements owed to the families of the dead policemen be processed and paid as soon as possible in order to reduce any financial constraints they may face during this difficult time.
Similarly, prompt action has been taken to guarantee that justice is served quickly and that the perpetrators of this heinous murder are brought to justice. The Inspector General of Police has directed the deployment of all necessary resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible for the senseless killing of our officers, which has resulted in the arrest of five (5) suspects in connection with the preceding incident and the killing, who are now providing information necessary for the arrest of all perpetrators.
It is critical to emphasise that, contrary to popular belief, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to responding decisively to the loss of its officers and men as a result of the numerous unforeseen hazards associated with our job due to global crime dynamics and criminality. Recent occurrences, including as the murder of SP Angbashim in Rivers State, in which the perpetrators were meticulously tracked down to their hideout and decimated during an exchange of gunfire with brave Force agents, are a critical clue.
Notable also is the rapid and forceful response to the attack on the Police Command Headquarters in Adamawa State, where one Inspector Jacob Daniel was brutally slain, which was followed by the IGP’s visit to Adamawa State and Mr. President’s prompt response after being briefed. In addition, attempts to seek retribution and impose sanctions on the perpetrators were stepped up.
The Nigeria Police Force unequivocally condemns any further assaults on police officers and other law enforcement personnel who selflessly dedicate themselves to protecting the lives and property of all citizens, reaffirming the NPF’s commitment to maintaining law and order and urging our officers to continue carrying out their lawful duties unaffected by such cowardly acts. Similarly, persons and groups selling unneeded and insensitive publications in the media are reminded not to make light of the NPF’s loss, but rather to sympathise with the police during these difficult times.
The Inspector General of Police, while assuring police officers and men, as well as the general public, that no effort will be spared in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice, as the killers have murdered sleep and will be tracked down to account for their heinous acts, urges well-meaning members of the public to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force by providing any relevant information that may aid in the apprehending of the culprits. We will work together to guarantee that justice is delivered and there is peace and security throughout the country.