From Joseph Obukata, Warri
Eight suspects allegedly linked to last year’s brutal killing of six police officers in Ughelli, Delta State, have been apprehended.
The policemen were reported murdered in an ambush on February 26, 2023, by gunmen when they were on a fact-finding mission to rescue officers attacked in Ohoro forest, Ughelli, on February 23, 2023.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi who announced the arrest on Saturday, five suspects were earlier arrested shortly after the incident, and with their cooperation, an additional three suspects were apprehended at different locations.
He said that the suspects, who were currently in custody, were assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Vowing that all those involved in the dastardly act would be decisively brought to justice, Adejobi said that once the investigations were concluded, the suspects would face trial with credible evidence.
The statement entitled “Ughelli killing: Police arrest eight for gruesome murder of policemen on operation, deepens investigation,” reads: “The Nigeria Police Force has made significant progress in the investigation into the tragic incident that occurred in Ughelli, Delta State on 23rd February, 2023, where officers on a fact-finding mission were ambushed, on 26th February, 2023. The officers, who were on a rescue mission, were also ambushed, resulting in the death of six, while six others are still missing in action.
“Following intensive investigative efforts, the police have apprehended eight suspects in connection with the brutal ambush attack. Five suspects were initially arrested shortly after the incident, and an additional three suspects have been apprehended, at different locations, following the statements and cooperation of the initially arrested suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to eight.
“The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. While the Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this reprehensible act, and many alike are brought to justice swiftly and decisively, the police assure that the suspects will soon have their day in court, with credible evidence, once investigations are concluded.
“The Nigeria Police is deeply saddened by the heinous act of violence against our officers who were diligently performing their duty to protect and serve the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers during this difficult time.
“We wish to reiterate that killers of our officers in this extant case, and many others, have murdered peace, and none of them will go unpunished.”