Following Backlash, Force Headquarters Opens Up On How 6 Policemen Were Ambushed, Killed During Rescue Mission In Delta, 6 Declared Missing

Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has broken it silence on how 12 police officers who were on operation to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three police officers who went missing in the Ohoro Forest in Delta State, were murdered in cold-blood.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the police statement confirming the killing of the officers came following backlash trailing the failure of the Delta State Police Command to confirm the death of the officers who were reportedly ambushed by unknown assailants.

A report which has gone viral and set tongues wagging, noted that “while the military authorities and the Federal Government are openly condemning the gruesome murder of the soldiers through the media, thereby attracting national and international condemnation and sympathy, the police authority is allegedly mute over the same gruesome murder of its personnel”.

According to the report originally published by THE SUPREME, “Recall that a month or thereabouts before this unfortunate incident of Okuama, still in Ughelli South LGA, Nineteen (19) Police Officers who were deployed for a legitimate assignment, were gruesomely murdered.

“Two weeks after, some of their decomposing bodies were found by vigilantes, the gory sight is better imagined. As I write, some of the slain officers’ corpses are yet to be recovered…

“I’m sure, the President was not briefed, the National Assembly was not too, even the main stream media did not report it or consider it news worthy enough.

“So, the officers just laid down their lives for the country just like that and the families they’ve left behind will now bear their losses…

“Every conscious police officer should learn from these two incidences; as much as you cannot refuse to go when sent, as your duties demand, do it with your whole senses, there’s nothing wrong in beating retreat when the situation is getting out of hands, after all, it was a famous quote of Tacitus that, “he that fights and runs away, may turn and fight another day; but he that is slain in battle, will never rise to fight again.”

“If in course of duty, you refuse to understand the situation and choose to fight to finish and the inevitable happens, just have it inscribed in your heart, that you are not dying for Nigeria but for yourself and your family”.

Apparently, following the backlash trailing the police failures to reaction to the reported killings, Force Headquarters, on Saturday confirmed the deaths and subsequent arrest of five suspects in connection to the alleged murder.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said that the Inspector General of Police has ordered immediate payment ot entitlement to the families of police officers killed in the line of duty.

Adejobi, said that Nigeria Police Force would posthumously honour the memory of the fallen heroes by recognizing their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.

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, offering our deepest condolences and earnestly praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.

The deceased officers include Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT) enlisted on 1st August, 2003; Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF) enlisted on 1st January, 2003; Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; and Sergeant Ejemito Friday (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011. While the officers currently missing-in-action include Inspector Onoja Daniel enlisted 1st February, 2003; Inspector Onogho Felix enlisted on 1st January, 2004; Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor enlisted 1st April, 2004; Inspector Joel Hamidu enlisted 1st June 2006, Sergeant Moses Eduvie enlisted 17th October, 2011, all of 51 PMF; and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT) enlisted 17th October, 2011.

Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to honouring the memory of our fallen heroes by recognizing their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. In accordance with this commitment, the Force will posthumously honour the slain officers for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony scheduled for April 5th, 2024 in Abuja.

In response to this grievous loss, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM, has taken decisive actions as expected. The bodies of six (6) of the slain officers have been recovered after a fierce search conducted by a combined team of police officers and other security outfits. The Force is focussed on the search for the other six (6) officers; while all their families have been duly contacted.

Additionally, the Inspector General of Police has mandated the expedited processing and payment of all entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers, aiming to alleviate any financial burdens they may encounter in this challenging time.

Similarly, immediate measures have been initiated to ensure that justice is served swiftly and the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime are brought to justice. The Inspector General of Police has mandated the deployment of all necessary resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing of our officers, and this has led to the arrest of five (5) suspects in connection with the preceding incident and the killing, who are currently volunteering information necessary for the rounding up of all the perpetrators.

It is paramount to underscore that contrary to perceived notions in some quarters, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to responding decisively to the loss of its officers and men as a result of the many unforeseen hazards associated with our job due to the dynamics of crimes and criminality globally. Recent incidents, such as the murder of SP Angbashim in Rivers State, where the perpetrators have been painstakingly traced to their hideout and decimated during the exchange of gunfire with gallant operatives of the Force is a vital pointer.

Notable also is the swift and robust response to the attack on the Police Command Headquarters in Adamawa State where one Inspector Jacob Daniel was gruesomely murdered, which was followed by a visit to Adamawa State by the IGP, and timeous response by Mr. President upon being briefed. Equally, efforts were intensified in that regard to seek redress and ensure sanctions for the attackers.

The Nigeria Police Force unequivocally condemns any further assaults on Police Officers and other law enforcement personnel who selflessly dedicate themselves to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens, reiterating the NPF’s dedication to upholding law and order, and urging our officers to remain resolute in the discharge of their lawful duties, undeterred by such cowardly acts. Similarly, individuals and groups peddling unnecessary and insensitive publications being circulated in the media space are urged not to make light of this loss to the NPF but to sympathize with the police in these sorrowful times.

The Inspector General of Police, while assuring police officers and men, as well as the 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 reprehensible acts, calls upon well-meaning members of the public to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force by providing any pertinent information that may aid in the apprehension of the perpetrators. Together, we will ensure that justice is served and peace and security prevail throughout the country.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA

23rd March, 2024