Arase Questions Competence of CPs Following Delta, Imo Police Killings

In the wake of a series of attacks targeting police officers in Nigeria, Solomon Arase, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, has raised doubts about the effectiveness of the Commissioners of Police in Delta and Imo states.

Expressing his concern, Arase condemned the assaults, emphasizing that the slain officers were also citizens deserving support, encouragement, and protection. The statement was issued on Sunday by the commission’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani.

According to reports from the Nigeria Police Force, six officers fell victim to an ambush in Delta State by armed assailants while investigating the disappearance of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest.

In a separate incident, two police operatives attached to MOPOL 18, Owerri, Imo State, were killed by gunmen in the Okigwe area, who reportedly attacked them with dynamite and engaged them in a gunfight along old Gariki Road.

Arase urged the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to reassess the capability of state command leadership nationwide in light of the escalating violence. He emphasized the need for accountability, stating that any Commissioner of Police deemed incompetent or negligent should be removed to prevent further casualties among law enforcement personnel.

The commission extended condolences to the Inspector-General of Police and the families of the slain officers, emphasizing the urgency of implementing integrated intelligence policing to address the security challenges.

Arase encouraged serving officers not to be discouraged by the recent incidents but to demonstrate resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity, upholding the esteemed reputation of the Force.