Rivers police in mourning after Inspector allegedly kills colleague

Tragedy struck the Rivers State Police Command on Sunday when an Inspector allegedly opened fire on two fellow officers during an altercation in Port Harcourt, killing one and leaving the other seriously injured.

The suspect, identified as Victor Okus, was said to be on special assignment at Intels, Onne, alongside officers attached to the 17 Police Mobile Force (PMF), before the incident occurred.

Although details surrounding the shooting remain unclear, police sources confirmed that Okus was swiftly disarmed and taken into custody shortly after the incident.

Confirming the development, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, described the shooting as a deeply distressing episode for the command.

She said the incident occurred on January 18, noting that one officer died instantly, while the second victim was rushed to hospital for treatment.

She stated: “The Rivers State Police Command is deeply saddened to report a tragic and distressing incident that occurred on January 18, 2026, resulting in the loss of a dedicated Police Officer, Inspector Ibrahim Sani.

“The suspect, Inspector Okus, a colleague and fellow officer attached to 17 PMF, but on special duty at Intels, Onne, has been arrested and is currently in Police custody.

“According to the Unit Commander (U/C) 14 PMF, Turaki Hassan’s accounts and preliminary investigations, the tragic incident occurred about 1320hrs at Next Cash and Carry Supermart, Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt, where Inspector Sani ‘m’ and Inspector Daniel Dauda ‘m’ all attached to 14 PMF, Yola, were on joint guard duty with military personnel.

“Inspector Okus allegedly shot his colleagues on the head and neck regions. The injured officers were promptly rushed to Nopsam Hospital for Medical treatment, where Inspector Sani succumbed to his injuries, while Inspector Dauda is still receiving medical treatment. The corpse has been deposited at the Military Hospital Mortuary, Port-Harcourt for preservation and autopsy.”

In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a thorough investigation, insisting that the matter would be handled transparently and in line with established procedures.

Iringe-Koko quoted the Commissioner as saying the suspect would undergo internal disciplinary processes before being arraigned in court.

She said: “The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Adepoju, has directed a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, ensuring that the circumstances surrounding this reprehensible act are thoroughly examined.

“The suspect will face an Orderly Room Trial and subsequently charge to court for prosecution, assuring that justice will be served.

“The CP further advised officers that handling of firearms while on duty is a serious responsibility and not a routine task, but it is crucial to prioritise your safety and the safety of others so as to prevent potential tragedies.”

The police command also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased officer and urged personnel to maintain professionalism at all times, particularly in the handling of firearms.