By JOELSON EBOH

In a surprising turn of events, personnel of the Nigerian Airforce attached to the Airforce Base in Jeddo, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, allegedly attacked police officers attached to the Quick Response Squad (QRS) of the Delta State Police Command while they were performing their lawful duties.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, has sparked concerns about inter-agency relations in the state.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident through a statement issued by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.

According to the statement, the clash occurred around 5:00 p.m. when QRS operatives, during a routine crime prevention patrol, flagged down a Toyota Corolla with registration number AKD-73-FL. Upon being stopped, the occupants of the vehicle reportedly fled on foot, prompting the officers to give chase.

?One of the suspects, identified as 25-year-old Ibohama Precious, was apprehended,? the statement read. ?A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, Canadian loud, and other hard drugs.?

The police officers were subsequently transporting the suspect and the recovered exhibits to the station when they encountered the Airforce personnel at the Jeddo checkpoint. What should have been a routine passage quickly escalated into an altercation.

?Our officers were stopped by Airforce personnel who insisted that the suspect be released to them,? SP Edafe explained. ?When our officers refused to comply, they were attacked without justification.?

The incident has raised concerns within the security community, particularly given the long-standing cooperative relationship between the police and the Nigerian Airforce in the state. The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has described the incident as ?embarrassing? and assured the public that efforts are underway to address the situation.

?The Delta State Police Command and the Nigerian Airforce, along with other security agencies in the state, have always enjoyed a cordial working relationship worthy of emulation. This incident is indeed unfortunate, and we are working with Airforce authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly,? CP Abaniwonda stated.

He further assured residents that the incident would not disrupt ongoing security collaborations aimed at ensuring peace and order across the state.

?We are putting all necessary modalities in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future. The public should remain calm and continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as we carry out our duties,? the Commissioner added.

As investigations continue, security analysts have stressed the importance of inter-agency synergy in combating crime and ensuring public safety. The Delta State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding law and order, while assuring the public that the suspect and the recovered exhibits remain in police custody.

Residents of the area have called for a swift resolution to the matter to maintain the peace that the region has enjoyed in recent times. (Delta State News Bulletin)

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