From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
Police officer attached to Ebonyi state police command headquarters in Abakaliki has lost his life following a violent clash between his team and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Salient Times learnt that the clash which left several other officers injured, happened in Amaeze community in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of Ebonyi state Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu and was made available to journalists said the NSCDC officer has been arrested.
Ukandu further stated that the policemen were in the area to arrest some suspects, via a petition earlier submitted to the state headquarters.
He said that trouble started who the accused NSCDC officer resisted the police officers from carrying out their lawful duty in the area.
According to him, “On 27th August, 2025, at about 4:00pm, operatives of the Command, acting on a petition, proceeded to Ivo Local Government Area to effect the arrest of suspects mentioned in the petition.
“On arrival, the officers properly identified themselves to the suspects in the presence of personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and soldiers providing security at a quarry facility where the suspects are engaged.
“The suspects willingly submitted themselves to the police operatives, and the soldiers on ground permitted the officers to proceed with the arrest.
“However, in clear defiance of the law, the NSCDC team leader obstructed the process, ordering his men to block the police vehicle and insisting that the suspects could not be taken away.
“Despite appeals by the suspects themselves, who urged the NSCDC personnel to allow them follow the police to answer the petition, the NSCDC officer refused and forcefully attempted to seize a rifle from one of the policemen.
“In the ensuing struggle, he discharged the firearm, fatally wounding a Police officer.
“The injured officer was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
“The NSCDC officer responsible has since been arrested, while a full-scale investigation into the incident is ongoing.
“The Ebonyi State Command reiterates that no individual has the authority to obstruct the Nigeria Police Force in the lawful discharge of its constitutional mandate.
