By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested one of its officers, Inspector Victor Okus, for allegedly shooting two fellow policemen during a joint security operation at a supermarket in Port Harcourt on Sunday afternoon, 18 January, 2026 incident that resulted in the death of one officer and left another receiving medical treatment.
The shooting occurred at about 1:20 p.m at Next Cash and Carry Supermarket in the Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt, where the affected officers Inspector Ibrahim Sani and Inspector Daniel Dauda, both attached to the 14 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Yola were on guard duty alongside military personnel.
According to the Rivers State Police Command, Inspector Sani was shot in the head, while Inspector Dauda sustained gunshot injuries to the neck.
Consequently, the two officers were rushed to Nopsam Hospital for urgent medical attention.
However, Sani later succumbed to his injuries, while Dauda remains under medical care.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Monday, 19 January, 2026 the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, described the development as tragic and deeply distressing.
She disclosed that Sani’s remains have been deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary in Port Harcourt for preservation and autopsy.
Iringe-Koko further revealed that the suspect, Inspector Okus, is attached to 17 PMF but was on special duty at Intels, Onne, at the time of the incident.
She added that preliminary investigations, based on an account by the Unit Commander of 14 PMF, DSP Turaki Hassan, indicated that the shooting occurred while the officers were lawfully deployed on joint security duty.
“The Rivers State Police Command is deeply saddened to report a tragic incident that occurred on Sunday, 18 January, 2026, resulting in the loss of a dedicated police officer,” the statement read. It added that Inspector Okus has been arrested and is currently in custody.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, which he described as a “reprehensible act.”
He stressed that the circumstances surrounding the shooting must be thoroughly examined to ensure accountability.
Adepoju also directed that the suspect be subjected to an orderly room trial and subsequently charged to court.
He warned officers across the command that handling firearms while on duty is a serious responsibility that requires the highest level of discipline and caution.
Additionally, the police command extended its condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the late Inspector Sani, while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and accountability within the force.
However, findings by thegazellenews.com revealed that the arrested officer is currently being interrogated but has been evasive in his responses.
A senior police source also dismissed claims that the shooting resulted from an accidental discharge, describing the suspect’s assertion that his rifle fell as untrue.
As investigations continue, the Rivers State Police Command maintained that justice would be served in line with the law.
