Police Arrest Eight Suspects over Murder of Officers in Delta

*Raid insurgent camps in Anambra, recover arms

Kingsley Nweze in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested eight persons in connection with the gruesome murder of six of its officers in Delta State.
According to the police, the officers, who were on a fact-finding mission, were ambushed and killed in Ohoro Forest in Agadama in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State on February 23 and 26, while six others were missing.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest of the eight persons in a statement issued yesterday.
Adejobi’s disclosure came just as the Anambra State Police Command yesterday said its operatives had destroyed some camps belonging to gunmen who recently attacked police facilities in the state.

Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force has made significant progress in the investigation into the tragic incident that occurred in Ughelli, Delta State on February 23, 2023, where officers on a fact-finding mission were ambushed, and 26th February 2023, where other officers on a rescue mission were also ambushed, resulting in the death of six policemen, while six others are still missing in action.”

The Force PRO said the suspects were apprehended at different locations following investigations.
“Following intensive investigative efforts, the police have apprehended eight suspects in connection with the brutal ambush attack. Five suspects were initially arrested shortly after the incident, and an additional three suspects have been apprehended, at different locations, following the statements and cooperation of the initially arrested suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to eight,” he said.

“The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. While the Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this reprehensible act, and many alike, are brought to justice swiftly and decisively. The Police assure that the suspects will soon have their day in court, with credible evidence, once investigations are concluded.

“The Nigeria Police is deeply saddened by the heinous act of violence against our officers who were diligently performing their duty to protect and serve the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers during this difficult time.
“We wish to reiterate that the killers of our officers in this extant case, and many others, have murdered peace, and none of them will go unpunished,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has said its operatives have destroyed some camps belonging to gunmen who recently attacked police facilities in the state.

The spokesperson of the command, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, said police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies, on Friday, raided and destroyed some of the camps used by the hoodlums to launch attacks on the police facilities in the state.
Gunmen last Thursday bombed Neni Police Divisional Headquarters in Anaocha LGA of the state.

Another police facility was earlier attacked by some hoodlums in Awgbu, a community in Orumba North LGA of the state.
Ikenga, who did not mention other security agencies that took part in the joint operation, said the state Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, ordered the operation, adding that some of the camps were located in Ogbunka, Orumba South Council Area of the state.

“The cowardly criminals fled in the face of the onslaught. Six improvised explosives devices already primed for attacks and two walkie talkies were recovered from the camps.
“Also recovered were substantial food and grocery supplies. All the camps were subsequently destroyed to deny the insurgents bases for launching attacks,” he said.
Ikenga said the operation was still ongoing with the aim of “eliminating the terrorists, rescuing abducted victims, recovering firearms and stolen vehicles” in their possession.
He said Adeoye has assured residents of the state that the police will continue to serve them “selflessly” despite the risks involved.
The police commissioner urged the residents to cooperate with the police in identifying hideouts of insurgents terrorising the state and assured the residents that their identities would be shielded to avoid being victimised.