Gunmen open fire on police officers, kill one in Rivers

One police officer was killed when gunmen in a Sienna bus opened fire on officers who were conducting a stop and search in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Friday, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokeswoman for the Rivers Police Command, denounced the attacks as mindless and unwarranted.

She did, however, disclose that one of the attackers was shot and died in the ensuing gunfight.

The tragic event happened on February 21 at approximately 9:45 p.m. when police officers from the Rivers State Police Command’s Operation Sting were the target of anonymous criminals.

“The thugs driving a carton-colored, glass-tinted Sienna bus ambushed the officers conducting a stop and search at the Eliozu flyover.

“At this moment, the registration number of the vehicle is unknown.”

We will not waver in our commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding human life in the face of acts of hostility against security forces that jeopardize the safety and security of society.

“CP Olatunji Disu, the Rivers Commissioner of Police, has promised that anybody who use violence against law enforcement and civilians will be subject to the full force of the law.

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

The police spokeswoman assured the public that the command will strengthen its measures to safeguard them and urged them to carry on with their normal activities without fear.