The Nigeria Police has revealed that its men were ambushed in Delta and Imo States responsible for the loss of six officers in Delta and an unspecified number of officers in Imo.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the six officers killed in Delta tragically fell victim to 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, adding that additional six policemen are currently missing-in-action.
Adejobi listed the deceased officers to include Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT) enlisted on August 1, 2003; Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF) enlisted on January 1, 2003; Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF) enlisted on October 17, 2011; Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF) enlisted on October 17, 2011; Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT) enlisted on October 17, 2011; and Sergeant Ejemito Friday (51 PMF) enlisted on October 17, 2011.
The officers currently missing in action are Inspector Onoja Daniel enlisted on February 1, 2003; Inspector Onogho Felix enlisted on January 1, 2004; Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor enlisted on April 1, 2004; Inspector Joel Hamidu enlisted on June 1, 2006, Sergeant Moses Eduvie enlisted on October 17, 2011, all of 51 PMF; and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT) enlisted October 17, 2011.
The Force Spokesperson said that the bodies of six of the slain officers have been recovered after a fierce search conducted by a combined team of police officers and other security outfits adding that the Force is focused on the search for the other six officers.
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 suspects in connection with the preceding incident and the killing, who are currently volunteering information necessary for the rounding up of all the perpetrators.”
Detailing on the Imo killing, Adejobi said, “Our men attacked and killed by suspected IPOB members in Imo today”, adding, “These men in Garki Okigwe, Imo State, this morning, March 23, were on a routine patrol, and they were attacked. They used dynamite on them. It’s so sad. I hope we realise our mistakes on time.”
