IGP Orders Dismissal, Prosecution of Officers Over Effurun Civilian Shooting

The Inspector-General of Police has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a civilian, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, describing the April 26 incident as criminal and a gross violation of professional policing standards.

Addressing journalists on the matter, the police chief condemned the killing as an extra-judicial act and stressed that no suspicion or operational circumstance justifies the unlawful taking of human life.

According to him, all officers linked to the incident were immediately redeployed from the Delta State Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action.

He explained that the officers were subjected to internal disciplinary procedures without delay, including a review by the Force Disciplinary Committee and an Orderly Room Trial for the lower-ranking personnel involved.

The findings, he said, established that the principal officer acted in clear violation of the rules governing the use of firearms and police engagement protocols.

The Inspector-General noted that the recommendations from both disciplinary panels supported firm sanctions, leading to the directive for dismissal and prosecution of the culpable officers.

He emphasized that the conduct of the officers does not represent the values or professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force, reiterating the Force’s zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, abuse of power, and extra-judicial actions.

The police boss also appealed to residents of Delta State and the general public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.

He assured Nigerians that the Force remains committed to cleansing its ranks of officers whose actions undermine public trust and the constitutional mandate of the police.