The Nigerian Police, Rivers State Command has expressed grief following the death of its personnel, who was shot dead in Port Harcourt by armed robbers.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the state (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), revealed that the officer passed on in active service.

According to the PPRO, some policemen, who were on a stop-and-search operation, were attacked by gunmen who rode in a carton-coloured Sienna bus.

She said: “We are deeply disheartened to disclose a heinous incident which took place on February 21, 2024, involving an attack on policemen attached to Operation Sting of the Rivers State Police Command.

“At about 21:45 hrs, while conducting routine stop and search at Eliozu flyover, the officers were attacked by unknown armed men operating in a carton-colored Sienna bus, with fully tinted glasses. The plate number of the vehicle remains unknown at this time.

“The criminals drove in from the Rumuodumaya area, opened fire on the police team, leading to the tragic loss of an Inspector who heroically gave his life in the line of duty undeterred.”

The police team responded with gallantry, engaging the assailants and managing to kill one of them with a mask on his face, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

When contacted, the PPRO affirmed that the Command has launched a detailed investigation into this hateful act and has already identified the group responsible for the dastardly act.

She said, we will relentlessly pursue these criminals and bring them to face the full wrath of law. No amount of terrorization will restrict our officers’ unwavering determination to protect lives and property of the citizens.

It is important to note that such acts of aggressiveness against security forces harmfully impact the safety and security of our entire society.

The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to its duty to maintain peace and protect the well-being of the populace.