Juliana Francis
A police inspector, attached to the Rivers State Police Command has been killed after an ambushed by unidentified hoodlums operating in a carton-coloured Sienna bus, with tinted glasses.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Superintendent of Police, Grace Iringe-Koko said that the incident occurred on 21st February 2024.
She explained that the late inspector was among a police team attached to Operation Sting of the Rivers State Police Command.
Iringe-Koko said: “At approximately 9:45 PM while conducting a routine ‘stop and search’ at Eliozu flyover, the officers were ambushed by unidentified hoodlums operating in a carton-coloured Sienna bus, with fully tinted glasses. The registration number of the vehicle remains unknown currently.
“The assailants drove in from the Rumuodumaya axis, and opened fire on the police team, resulting in the tragic loss of one Inspector who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty. Undeterred, the police team responded with bravery, engaging the attackers and managing to neutralize one of them with a mask on his face, while the others managed to escape, potentially sustaining gunshot wounds.”
She revealed that the Command has launched a thorough investigation into the incident and has already identified the group responsible.
“Rest assured, we will relentlessly pursue these criminals and bring them to justice. No amount of intimidation will hinder our officers’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens. It is important to emphasize that such acts of aggression against security forces detrimentally impact the safety and security of our entire society. The Rivers State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to maintain peace and protect the well-being of the populace,” said the image manager.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated that those who perpetrate violence against policemen or any citizen will face the full weight of the law.
Disu said: “We urge all law-abiding citizens to continue with their daily activities without panic, as we are determined to uphold our mandate of preserving lives and property in the face of such challenges.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen inspector, and we assure them that his sacrifice will not be in vain. Our resolve to serve and protect remains unwavering as we stand together against those who seek to disrupt the peace and harmony of our society.”
