The Nigerian Police Force through a press statement released on Saturday, has revealed that eight suspects connected to the gruesome murder of men of the NPF who were sent for a mission in Ughelli, Delta state have been apprehended.
The Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this, said it was achievable after an intensive investigation, which led to the arrest of five suspects and subsequent arrest of three others who have been linked to perpetrating the heinous crime.
He said the first set of suspects were arrested at different locations and that they later revealed the locations of the others.
Adejobi also said that the suspects are currently in police custody while the investigation is still ongoing and would be charged to court after thorough investigations.
Part of the statement read “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,”
Read the full press statement
PRESS RELEASE
UGHELLI KILLINGS: POLICE ARRESTS 8 FOR GRUESOME MURDER OF POLICEMEN ON OPERATION, DEEPENS INVESTIGATIONS
The Nigeria Police Force has made significant progress in the investigation into the tragic incident that occurred in Ughelli, Delta State on 23rd February, 2024, where officers on a fact finding mission were ambushed, and 26th February, 2024, 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.
Following intensive investigative efforts, the police have apprehended eight (8) suspects in connection with the brutal ambush attack. Five (5) suspects were initially arrested shortly after the incident, and an additional three (3) 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 (8).
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 assures 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 killers of our officers in this extant case, and many others, have murdered peace, and none of them will go unpunished.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
Identities of victims
Mr Adejobi, an assistant police commissioner, identified the slain officers as “Inspector Abe Olubunmi, Inspector Friday Irorere, Sergeant Kuden Elisha, Sergeant Akpan Aniette, Sergeant Ayere Paul, and Sergeant Ejemito Friday.”
He also gave the names of the missing operatives as “Inspector Onoja Daniel, Inspector Onogho Felix, Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, Inspector Joel Hamidu, Sergeant Moses Eduvie, and Sergeant Cyril Okorie.
“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. The Force is focused on the search for the other six officers while all their families have been duly contacted,” Mr Adejobi said.
