Rivers: One killed as gunmen open fire on police officers

Gunmen in a Sienna bus opened fire on police officers conducting a stop-and-search operation in Port Harcourt, killing one.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Command's spokeswoman in Rivers, denounced the attacks as mindless and unwarranted in a statement issued Friday.

She revealed that one of the attackers was killed during the subsequent exchange of gunfire.

“The sad incident occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on February 21 when unidentified hoodlums targeted policemen from Operation Sting of the Rivers State Police Command.

“While the officers were carrying out stop and search at Eliozu flyover, they were attacked by the hoodlums travelling in a carton-coloured, glass-tinted Sienna bus.

“The vehicle’s registration number remains unknown at this time.”

According to Iringe-Koko, the perpetrators fired directly at the officers without provocation.

“The attackers, arriving from the Rumuodumaya axis, opened fire on the police team, resulting in the tragic loss of one Inspector who valiantly sacrificed his life in the line of duty.

“Undeterred, the police team responded bravely, engaged the attackers, and managed to neutralize one of them who was wearing a mask.

“Unfortunately, the others managed to escape, but potentially sustaining gunshot wounds,” she added.

The official claimed that the command has launched an inquiry to catch the perpetrators and that the criminal gang responsible for the attacks has already been identified.

She stated that the police force would not stop until all those involved in the heinous conduct were brought to justice.

“Such acts of aggression against security forces impact the safety and security of society, hence, we shall remain resolute in our duty to preserve peace and protect lives.

“The Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olatunji Disu, has pledged that those who perpetrate violence against law enforcement and civilians will face the full weight of the law.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen Inspector, and we assure them that his sacrifice will not be in vain,” Iringe-Koko noted.

The police spokeswoman encouraged citizens to continue their lawful activities without fear, stating that the command would improve its measures to secure their safety.