The incident, which occurred recently, saw the tragic loss of Inspector Monday Orowhigoh, Inspector Festus Obey, and an unidentified mobile policeman. The perpetrators also made away with the service rifles of the slain officers and set their patrol van on fire.
In response to the attack, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, ordered a combined team of policemen from the Ozoro Area command and the Dragon patrol to track down the gunmen.
With the support of troops from the Nigerian Army, 63 Brigade, and local vigilantes, the police swung into action. A fierce gunfight ensued, during which the hoodlums were wounded and forced to flee into the bush.
The determined response team managed to trace the blood trail of the fleeing criminals to a river, where they recovered one AK-47 rifle on the same day of the incident.
As the operation continued on July 24, 2023, two members of the gang were arrested, and the police successfully recovered three more AK-47 rifles and an assault rifle.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests and the recovery of the weapons in a statement on Monday. He further assured residents that the command would not relent in its fight against crime and criminality, calling for support from well-meaning citizens to ensure the safety of the state.
In the course of the investigation, one of the suspects reportedly confessed to being from Enugu State but currently residing in Ughelli town in Delta State. Efforts are ongoing to track down the other members of the gang responsible for the heinous crime.
The loss of three dedicated police officers has deeply saddened the community and the nation as a whole. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring justice is served and that those responsible for this senseless act of violence are brought to face the full force of the law. The recovery of the firearms and the apprehension of the suspects are crucial steps in the pursuit of justice for the fallen officers and their families.
As the investigation continues, the public is urged to provide any relevant information that could aid the police in apprehending the remaining suspects. The Delta State Police Command is determined to prevent such acts of violence and maintain peace and security in the region. Together, with the support of the community, the police will work tirelessly to make Delta State a safer place for all its residents.