Police in Rivers State have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer in Etche Local Government Area.
The chairperson of Etche LGA, Chima Njoku, confirmed the arrests while speaking to journalists on Tuesday following the incident. According to him, the suspects were apprehended after members of the public provided information that assisted security operatives in tracking them down.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Dagogo Isaac, Mr Njoku said the arrested individuals are believed to have been involved in the killing of Assistant Superintendent of Corps II, Kalu Samuel Ali. The suspects are currently being held by the police and are cooperating with investigators.
The Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the arrests. Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said the operation was carried out through a joint effort involving officers from the Okehie Divisional Police Office, the Anti-Cultism Unit, NSCDC personnel and local community youths.
Mr Ali was reportedly shot dead on Monday while carrying out surveillance duties linked to the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in Port Harcourt. Authorities said he was attached to federal mining operations in Etche at the time of the attack.
Reacting to the incident, Mr Njoku strongly condemned the killing and warned against criminal activities in the area, particularly illegal mining operations.
In a video posted on Facebook, the council chairman expressed concern over the incident, stating that it was unacceptable for individuals to take the law into their own hands by attacking a security officer performing official duties.
He also announced the closure of two parks operated by tipper drivers in the area as part of efforts to address activities linked to the incident and improve security.
Mr Njoku urged residents to remain calm while security agencies continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
