A routine joint guard duty turned deadly on Sunday afternoon when a Police Inspector allegedly opened fire on two of his colleagues at the Next Cash and Carry Supermart in the Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:20 PM on January 18, 2026, resulted in the death of Inspector Ibrahim Sani.
A second officer, Inspector Daniel Dauda, sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalised. Both victims were attached to the 14 PMF, Yola, and were serving on joint guard duty with military personnel at the time of the shooting.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that the suspect, Inspector Victor Okus, has been taken into custody. Okus, while attached to the 17 PMF, was on special duty at Intels, Onne, when the confrontation occurred.
In a statement released Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, expressed the command’s grief over the “reprehensible act.”
“The Rivers State Police Command is deeply saddened to report a tragic and distressing incident… resulting in the loss of a dedicated Police Officer, Inspector Ibrahim Sani,” Iringe-Koko stated. “The suspect, Inspector Victor Okus, a colleague and fellow Officer, has been arrested and is currently in Police custody.”
Preliminary reports from the Unit Commander of 14 PMF, DSP Turaki Hassan, indicate that Inspector Okus allegedly targeted his colleagues’ head and neck regions. While Inspector Sani succumbed to his injuries at Nopsam Hospital, Inspector Dauda continues to receive medical treatment.
The Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has ordered an immediate and transparent investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting.
The Commissioner emphasised that the suspect will face an Orderly Room Trial before being charged in a court of law. He also issued a stern reminder to the force regarding the gravity of carrying weapons.
“Handling of firearms while on duty is a serious responsibility and not a routine task,” CP Adepoju advised. “It is crucial to prioritise your safety and the safety of others to prevent potential tragedies.”
The Command has moved Inspector Sani’s body to the Military Hospital Mortuary in Port Harcourt for preservation and autopsy. As the investigation continues, the police leadership has vowed to maintain accountability within their ranks.
“The Rivers State Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and friends of Inspector Sani,” the PPRO added, “reaffirming the Command’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism.”
