Against a backdrop of mounting concerns over the security situation in the country, a sobering report sheds light on the grim toll exacted on law enforcement officers in the line of duty. From March 2023 to March 2024, Nigeria has mourned the loss of 90 brave police officers, felled by the bullets of gunmen. GBENGA OMOKHUNU reports that the tragic incidents, attributed to various violent incidents including terrorist attacks, armed robberies and abductions, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms
In the past year, there have been 90 police officers killed in the line of duty by gunmen. These incidents occurred between March 2023 and March 2024. Among these tragic events was the ambush, killing and dismemberment of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Bako Angbanshin in Odumude community, Ahoada East local government area of Rivers State. Angbanshin’s body was later found and exhumed six months after the attack. According to a top police source, these figures reflect violent incidents nationwide, including attacks by terrorists, Boko Haram, armed robbers, abductions, and gang clashes.
The source said: “Between March 2023 and March 2024, documents have shown that 90 police officers have been killed through violent incidents, including attacks from terrorists, Boko Haram, armed robbers, abductions and gang clashes. These include officers that were killed and were made public recently. It is sad but that is the fact. That has and will never deter the police officers from carrying out their duties to protect the all and sundry. We are always ready for duty.”
In 2023, a series of tragic events unfolded, marking the loss of several police officers in the line of duty. Here’s a concise timeline of incidents involving the killing of policemen in 2023: In March, gunmen targeted law enforcement officers across multiple states. On March 5th, in Anambra State, one policeman lost his life while two others sustained injuries in an attack. Later that month, between March 13th and 18th, a total of sixteen policemen were killed in Ngaski town and Gafara community of Ngaski LGA in Kebbi State, as well as in Niger State and Imo State. The violence persisted into April, with incidents such as the killing of two officers by soldiers in Taraba on March 20th, and an attack on a checkpoint in Enugu on March 26th that claimed the lives of two policemen. In Edo, on April 6th, three policemen were killed, and another was injured.
In subsequent weeks, the violence spread to other regions. On April 7th, unidentified gunmen shot a policeman dead at the Marine Base Junction in Port Harcourt. In Imo State, on April 21st, five police officers fell victim to gunmen’s attacks. The following days witnessed more tragedies, including the killing of a policeman by a suspected Yahoo boy in Ibadan on April 26th, and the abduction and subsequent killing of Sergeant Ifeanyi by gunmen in Delta State on April 28th. The violence escalated in May, with particularly gruesome incidents such as the beheading of Assistant Superintendent of Police Linus by unknown gunmen in Aba, Abia State, on May 3rd. On May 16th, two policemen were killed in a convoy attack in Anambra State, followed by the shooting of two policemen dead in Imo State on May 20th. The month of June saw continued violence, including an attack on Rochas Okorocha’s convoy in Imo State on June 18th, resulting in the death of one policeman. In July, bandits targeted police operatives at Oleh Roundabout, Delta State, on July 23rd, killing two officers and setting their patrol vehicle ablaze. Later, on July 26th, another attack occurred on a Commissioner’s convoy in Aba, resulting in the death of two police personnel. The violence persisted into August, with a policeman attacked and killed by Okada riders in Lagos on August 11th.
The tragic toll on law enforcement officers continued unabated into the latter months of the year and even spilled over into the New Year. Here’s a sobering account of the grim incidents: In August, gunmen targeted a police inspector in Rivers State, killing him and seizing his rifle and beret. The violence persisted into September, with the ambush and murder of Divisional Police Officer Bako Angbanshin in Odumude community, Rivers State, on September 8th. Just over a week later, on September 19th, at least five policemen were killed in an attack by armed men in Imo State. The violence escalated on September 20th, with the alleged killing of two police officers by unknown gunmen in Enugu State. October brought further tragedy, with armed robbers killing Nigerian police officer Joseph Fidus at his residence in Ogun State on October 14th. On October 21st, bank robbers claimed the lives of four policemen in Benue State. The violence continued on October 27th, when gunmen attacked and killed two policemen during an arrest in Aba.
In November, the scourge of violence against law enforcement officers persisted. Hoodlums killed two policemen in Ebonyi State on November 17th, and another two officers fell victim to a suspected IPOB attack in Ebonyi Police Command on November 18th. On November 22nd, an army officer allegedly killed a police officer at Adamawa Police Station. The violence culminated on November 27th, when unknown gunmen killed two police officers at Ahaira Junction in Imo State. December saw no reprieve, with two policemen losing their lives in an attack on Chris Uba’s convoy in Anambra State on December 28th. The violence extended into the New Year, with two policemen killed in a bandit ambush in Zamfara State on January 6th. On January 20th, a police officer was killed and another injured in an attack by bandits at Saki Jiki village in Katsina State.
February brought further tragedy, with at least four police officers killed in Borno State after a gun battle with suspected Islamic insurgents on February 3rd. The violence peaked on March 2nd, when six policemen were killed in an ambush in Delta State, with six others still missing. Just days later, on March 8th, six more policemen lost their lives as suspected gunmen attacked a police checkpoint in Ebonyi. The loss of six courageous officers has been described as devastating by police authorities. Among the fallen heroes were two inspectors and four sergeants. Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who conveyed the heartbreaking news, revealed that the officers were on a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State, when they fell into an ambush and tragically lost their lives.
While the exact date of the incident was not disclosed by Adejobi, The Nation gathered that the officers had been missing since January. The decomposed bodies of some of the fallen officers were later recovered by a combined team of security agents and local vigilance men in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state. The victims hailed from various units, including the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Abuja, Police Mobile Force (PMF) 51 Oghara, and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Asaba, in Delta State. The fallen officers were identified as Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT), Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF), Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF), Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF), Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT), and Sergeant Ejemito Friday (51 PMF), all of whom served with distinction and dedication to their duty.
Among the officers currently missing in action are Inspector Onoja Daniel, enlisted on 1st February, 2003; Inspector Onogho Felix, enlisted on 1st January, 2004; Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, enlisted on 1st April, 2004; Inspector Joel Hamidu, enlisted on 1st June 2006; Sergeant Moses Eduvie, enlisted on 17th October, 2011, all from the 51 PMF unit; and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT), enlisted on 17th October, 2011. Last Monday, a posthumous award memorial recognition was held to honour the families of the officers killed in Delta State, presided over by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. At the event, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, generously donated N20 million to the families of the fallen officers. Additionally, the Senate pledged N1 million each to the families of the deceased officers, while also donating N20 million alongside presenting cheques to them, as arranged by the police force. Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, expressed deep sadness over the tragic development, emphasising the importance of equipping the police force adequately. He lamented that while the government can provide support, it cannot entirely prevent criminal actions as long as criminals continue to perpetrate crimes.
“Police should respond adequately if there is any such action against the force. It is a good thing that the government through the IGP appreciated them alongside others who donated money for their family members. Other policemen will be happy and they will know that they are not working in vain. They will be more dedicated to their duties. Nigerians should know that the policemen are doing their job and they deserve support. Security is everybody’s business. They should give information to security operatives across the country,” he said.
Senator Iroegbu, a security expert, strongly denounced the alarming rate at which policemen are being killed in the line of duty. He emphasised that these brave men and women serve as the emblem of the nation’s authority and deserve unwavering respect for their pivotal role in ensuring safety and security, regardless of the circumstances. He said: “The surge in attacks on security personnel in Nigeria, particularly targeting the police and military, is utterly condemnable. However, these incidents also underscore deep-seated issues within our security infrastructure and policing system. Citizens increasingly view security forces not as allies but as adversaries, signaling a breakdown in trust and understanding. While some attacks may stem from grievances against perceived injustices and rights violations, resorting to violence is never justified.
“These alarming trends highlight broader challenges within the state, portraying a narrative of insecurity and lawlessness where governmental authority is undermined by militias and non-state actors. The erosion of civil-military relations further exacerbates these issues, reflecting a breakdown in communication and cooperation between security forces and the public. Addressing these complex challenges requires a comprehensive approach. We must prioritise efforts to improve civil-military relations and enhance governance and development. Empowering communities and establishing community and state police initiatives can bridge the gap between citizens and security forces, fostering collaboration and mutual trust.
“Moreover, bolstering security measures to instill a sense of safety and confidence among the populace will engender respect and appreciation for law enforcement agencies. Ultimately, fostering a culture of respect and cooperation between security forces and the public will contribute to a more secure and harmonious civic space, reducing the need for militarisation.”
