The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of one of its officers, Inspector Victor Okus, after he allegedly shot two of his colleagues at a popular supermarket in Port Harcourt on Sunday afternoon.
In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the affected officers were attached to the 14 Police Mobile Force, Yola, and were on joint guard duty with military personnel in the state when the incident occurred.
Iringe-Koko identified the victims as Inspector Ibrahim Sani and Inspector Daniel Dauda, adding that the officers were shot in the head and neck, respectively.
She said, “The Rivers State Police Command is deeply saddened to report a tragic and distressing incident that occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, resulting in the loss of a dedicated police officer, Inspector Ibrahim Sani.”
“The suspect, Inspector Victor Okus, a fellow officer attached to 17 PMF but on special duty at Intels, Onne, has been arrested and is currently in police custody,” the statement added.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 1:20 p.m. at Next Cash and Carry Supermarket, Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt, where the two officers were on joint guard duty with military personnel.
“Inspector Okus allegedly shot his colleagues in the head and neck regions,” the statement said.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that the injured officers were rushed to Nopsam Hospital for medical attention, where Inspector Sani later died from his gunshot injuries.
“The corpse has been deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary in Port Harcourt for preservation and autopsy,” she said, while confirming that Inspector Dauda remains under medical care.
The spokesperson added that the suspect has been arrested and will face disciplinary action, saying, “The suspect will face an orderly room trial and will be subsequently charged in court for prosecution to ensure that justice is served.”
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, describing the act as “reprehensible”.
Adepoju warned officers that “the handling of firearms while on duty is a serious responsibility and not a routine task,” stressing the need for strict safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Iringe-Koko extended the command’s condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the late Inspector Sani, adding that the command remains committed to professionalism and accountability within the force.
Meanwhile, findings indicated that the arrested officer is currently being interrogated but has been evasive in his responses.
A senior police source dismissed claims of accidental discharge, describing the suspect’s assertion that his rifle fell as untrue.
