A newly appointed Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbarho Division in Delta State, identified as CSP Jega, was tragically killed during a rescue mission in the early hours of Monday. Jega, who had only resumed duty two days earlier, was ambushed along with his team by a group of suspected kidnappers.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. near the Agbarho rail station, as Jega and another DPO, CSP Paul of Orerokpe Division, led a joint operation to rescue kidnap victims. The rescue team was met with heavy gunfire from the kidnappers, resulting in a deadly shootout. During the exchange, CSP Jega and some officers were fatally shot, while CSP Paul narrowly escaped death and was rushed to a hospital where doctors are working to save his life.
Local activist Israel Joe expressed deep sorrow over the incident, recounting a recent interaction with the late DPO. “Just yesterday, I spoke with him about his officers’ behavior, and he immediately took action to correct them. This news is heartbreaking,” Joe said. He extended his condolences to the Delta State Police Command and the families of the officers.
SP Bright Edafe, the police public relations officer for Delta State Command, confirmed the incident. “The team was ambushed, and unfortunately, we lost the DPO,” Edafe stated.
The Delta State Police have vowed not to spare the perpetrators as investigations and a manhunt for the kidnappers intensify.
