The Rivers State Police Command has arrested one of its officers, Inspector Victor Okus, for allegedly shooting two of his colleagues at a popular supermarket in Port Harcourt, resulting in the death of one officer.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at Next Cash and Carry Supermarket along Trans-Amadi axis of the city.
The police said the affected officers were on joint guard duty with military personnel when the shooting happened.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, identified the victims as Inspector Ibrahim Sani and Inspector Daniel Dauda, both attached to the 14 Police Mobile Force, Yola.
She said the officers were shot in the head and neck respectively.
“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 statement read.
According to the police, the suspect, Inspector Victor Okus, is attached to 17 Police Mobile Force but was on special duty at Intels, Onne, at the time of the incident.
Iringe-Koko explained that the injured officers were rushed to Nopsam Hospital for treatment, where Inspector Sani later died from gunshot injuries, while Inspector Dauda is still receiving medical care.
“The corpse has been deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary in Port Harcourt for preservation and autopsy,” she added.
She said preliminary findings showed that the shooting occurred at about 1:20 pm, based on the account of the Unit Commander of 14 PMF, DSP Turaki Hassan.
“Inspector Okus allegedly shot his colleagues in the head and neck regions,” the statement said.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody.
She noted that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into what he described as a “reprehensible act”.
“The suspect will face an orderly room trial and will be subsequently charged to court for prosecution to ensure that justice is served,” Iringe-Koko stated.
Adepoju also warned officers that handling firearms is a serious responsibility and not a routine task, urging personnel to always prioritise safety while on duty.
The command extended its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Inspector Sani and reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and accountability within the force.
Meanwhile, a senior police source stated that claims of accidental discharge were untrue, dismissing the suspect’s assertion that his rifle fell to the ground.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
