Newly appointed DPO, other officers killed by kidnappers in Delta

The Delta State Police Command is mourning the loss of the newly appointed Divisional Police Officer for the Agbarho Division, CSP N.H. Jega, along with several of his men, who were killed by a kidnapping syndicate.

The tragic incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Monday, just two days after CSP Jega assumed his role at the divisional command.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that CSP Jega and the DPO of the Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul, were leading their teams in a rescue operation for a kidnapping victim when they were ambushed near the Agbarho rail station.

The suspected kidnappers opened fire on the police teams with sporadic gunshots.

During the gunfight, CSP Jega and several officers were reportedly killed, while CSP Paul narrowly escaped death and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where doctors are currently working to save his life.

Warri-based activist Israel Joe confirmed the incident in a signed statement released to the media on Monday. He expressed his sorrow, saying, “I feel very pained about this news. This was the same DPO I spoke with yesterday regarding the conduct of his men, who had demanded money from a citizen. He addressed the situation immediately, cautioning his officers not to engage in such behavior under his watch.”

“This is very distressing. I can, to some extent, attest to the characters of these men. I wish to extend my condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, the Commissioner of Police for Delta State Command, and the families and friends of the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. None of these criminals should be spared by the force.”

When contacted, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, stating, “They (the police team) were ambushed. Unfortunately, we lost the DPO.”