Six police officers on rescue operation ambushed, killed in Delta

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the murder of six officers in Delta state.

In January, gunmen abducted three mobile police officers while responding to a distress call at the Ohoro community in the Ughelli north LGA of the state.

The three officers were among a team of six mobile policemen deployed to a checkpoint at the Ughelli-Patani road.

A few weeks after the incident, some police officers were mobilised to rescue their abducted colleagues.

During the rescue operation, the officers were ambushed and killed around the Ohoro forest in Ughelli LGA.

In a statement on Saturday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the bodies of the six slain officers have been recovered while the search for six other officers is ongoing.

“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,” Adejobi said.

“The Force is focused on the search for the other six (6) officers; while all their families have been duly contacted.

“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 on 1st February, 2003; Inspector Onogho Felix enlisted on 1st January, 2004; Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor enlisted on 1st April, 2004; Inspector Joel Hamidu enlisted on 1st June 2006, Sergeant Moses Eduvie enlisted 17th October 2011, all of 51 PMF; and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT) enlisted 17th October, 2011.”

Adejobi said police authorities are committed to “honouring the memory of our fallen heroes by recognizing their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice”.

He said the deceased officers will receive posthumous honours at the police awards and commendations ceremony in Abuja on April 5.

The force spokesperson said five suspects have been arrested over the murder of the policemen.

“Similarly, immediate measures have been initiated to ensure that justice is served swiftly and the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime are brought to justice,” he said.

“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.”