The newly posted Divisional Police Officer in Agbarho Division in Delta State with some of his men have been reportedly ambushed and shot dead by a kidnap syndicate.
The incident reportedly occurred around 1am Monday, two days after the DPO identified as CSP Jega resumed office at the Agbarho Divisional Command.
This is a tragic incident, highlighting the risks faced by law enforcement officers in Nigeria, particularly in their fight against crime. The ambush of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbarho Division in Delta State and his team underscores the danger involved in operations aimed at rescuing kidnapped victims. The fact that the newly posted DPO, CSP Jega, lost his life only two days after taking office makes it even more heartbreaking.
It was gathered that the deceased DPO together with the DPO, Orerokpe division, CSP Paul, had jointly led their men for a kidnap rescue operation at about 1:am in the early hours of Monday, during which they were ambushed by members of the kidnap syndicate, at a location close to the Agbarho rail station.
The suspected kidnappers were said to have greeted the security teams with sporadic gunshots.
In the exchange of fire, the new DPO and some policemen were reportedly killed while the Orerokpe DPO missed death by the whiskers and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital where doctors are presently battling to save his life.
Reacting to the incident, a Warri-based activist, Israel Joe, said he was pained by the incident.
While reports suggest that some officers also sustained injuries and the DPO of Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul, narrowly escaped death, it’s clear that this was a well-coordinated attack by the kidnappers, who likely saw the security team’s efforts as a threat to their operations.
The reaction from Warri-based activist Israel Joe reflects the sentiment of many, mourning the loss of officers who are on the frontlines protecting society. It also raises awareness about the dangers faced by law enforcement, even as they attempt to maintain integrity and discipline within their ranks.
Joe said, “I feel very pained about this news. This was the same DPO I spoke with yesterday about the conduct of his men who demanded money from a citizen, and he rescued the situation immediately, cautioning his men not to try that again under his watch.
“This is very tearful, I can, to some extent, attest to the characters of these men. I wish to convey my condolence to the Nigeria Police Force, the CP Delta State Command, entire family and friends of the police who lost their lives in a quest to save society in the front line of duty. None of these demons should be spared by the force”.
When contacted, the police public relations officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the gory incident.
“They (the police team) were ambushed. But it’s only the DPO that we lost,” he stated.
This unfortunate event will likely intensify calls for better protection and support for police officers, as well as a more aggressive approach to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in Delta State and beyond.
Click here to join our Telegram Channel