A tragic incident unfolded in Port Harcourt on Sunday, January 18, 2026, when a Nigerian police officer allegedly shot two of his colleagues during joint duty with military personnel, resulting in the death of one officer.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the arrest of Inspector Victor Okus, who reportedly opened fire on Inspectors Ibrahim Sani and Daniel Dauda at Next Cash and Carry Supermarket in Trans-Amadi.
According to the command, Inspector Sani sustained gunshot wounds to the head and later died at Nopsam Hospital, while Inspector Dauda, shot in the neck, continues to receive medical treatment.
The body of Inspector Sani has been preserved at the Military Hospital mortuary in Port Harcourt for autopsy.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police, stated that the suspect will face an orderly room trial and subsequent prosecution in court.
“The Rivers State Police Command is deeply saddened by this tragic and distressing incident and extends heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Inspector Sani,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
He stressed the importance of firearm safety while on duty and warned that such acts of negligence would not be tolerated.
Preliminary reports suggest that Inspector Okus has been evasive during interrogation, and a senior police source dismissed claims that the shooting was accidental, describing the suspect’s assertion that his rifle accidentally discharged as untrue.
The incident has raised concerns about discipline and firearm handling within the police force, with the command reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
