Delta killing: Mass deployment of policemen in state command
• Senate seeks justice for slain suspect, end to police brutality • Two more suspects held, says IG • Disu directs emergency firearms audit across police formations Inspector General of
• Senate seeks justice for slain suspect, end to police brutality
• Two more suspects held, says IG
• Disu directs emergency firearms audit across police formations
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu has ordered the immediate transfer of 1,332 officers from the Delta State Police Command.
This followed the extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old suspect in Effurun, near Warri.
The directive, issued from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, is part of efforts to reform the command and regain public trust after the April 26 incident.
Mene Ogidi was shot dead by now-dismissed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman, despite being unarmed and restrained by civilians who arrested him over alleged arms smuggling.
The incident, captured on video, sparked outrage and demands for accountability.
Many Nigerians applauded Disu’s swift response, which led to the dismissal of the ASP and his team, their handover to the Delta State Attorney General for prosecution, and a visit to the deceased’s family by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of the state.
In a signal dated May 3, the police high command redeployed senior officers and other ranks with immediate effect, directing the receiving commands to submit the names of compliant and non-compliant officers to the offices of the IGP and Force Secretary by May 22.
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The communication, endorsed by the Force Secretary, AIG Bode Akinbamilowo, on behalf of the IGP, was circulated to Deputy Inspectors-General (AIGs) in charge of specialised units, and commissioners of police across all state commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It also covered formations and institutions, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Border Patrol Force, Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the Police Academy in Kano, the Police Staff College in Jos, and other training and tactical units.
Police sources said the mass transfer is part of broader measures to restore public confidence and reinforce discipline. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its zero tolerance for misconducts, warning that officers found culpable would face disciplinary and legal consequences.
The redeployment affects officers across ranks, particularly ASPs, with postings spanning Edo, Anambra, Abia, and Imo states.
The development has continued to draw reactions nationwide, with civil society groups and citizens calling for justice and sustained reforms to address police brutality.
Giving an update at an emergency conference of the Force Management Team, AIGs and police commissioners in Abuja, Disu confirmed the arrest of two more suspects linked to the killing.
“I want to inform you that we have arrested two more suspects involved in the shooting incident in Delta State. Investigation is ongoing and I don’t want to say anything further until it is concluded.
“That act was wrong, unlawful, and violated the sanctity of human life and the professional standards of this Force. The officer responsible and members of his team have been dismissed, and the case has been forwarded for criminal prosecution. This matter will not be swept aside,” he said.
Disu said the suspect was found in possession of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition, adding that investigations were ongoing.
“To the Nigerian public, this incident does not define the Nigerian Police Force, but our response will. Our response is clear—zero tolerance, full accountability, no exceptions,” he said.
The IGP also ordered an immediate audit of firearms across police formations, warning that the directive must be treated with utmost seriousness.
Also, the Senate yesterday called for a thorough and transparent justice for Ogidi case, stressing that no citizen should live in fear under a democratic government.
The Red legislative chamber condoled with the bereaved family and other Nigerians affected by the incident, insisting that the sanctity of human life must remain paramount.
Speaking during plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the incident underscored the need for accountability and professionalism in law enforcement.
“Every Nigerian life is sacred, and the strength of our republic rests on the assurance that citizens are protected under the law.
“Public trust demands that state authority be exercised with restraint, not impunity, and that justice must be swift, fair and certain,” Akpabio said.
The Senate acknowledged steps taken by the police, including the identification and dismissal of officers allegedly involved in the incident and the commencement of legal proceedings.
“We note the prompt actions taken by the Nigeria Police Force. However, this commendable beginning must culminate in conclusive justice through a transparent and diligent process,” Akpabio added.
Lawmakers stressed that security agencies must be empowered but remain accountable to the people.
“No individual, whether in authority or not, is above the law, and no citizen is beneath its protection,” he said.
The Senate directed Senator Ide Davinone, representing the affected constituency, to convey its condolences to the bereaved family.
In its resolutions, the Senate urged diligent prosecution of the case and sustained implementation of police reforms to prevent similar incidents.
Lawmakers also observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Ogidi.
Reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to justice and institutional reforms, Akpabio said the country must build a society where citizens can live without fear.
