Police, NAF to investigate personnel clash over release of suspect in Delta

The Delta State Police Command and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) authorities have ordered investigations into an ugly altercation between their personnel in Warri on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

The incident, which took place around 5:00 PM, involved officers from the Delta State Police Command’s Quick Response Squad (QRS) transporting a suspect to the police station when they encountered NAF personnel at a checkpoint. The Air Force personnel reportedly demanded the release of the suspect.

The incident began when QRS officers flagged down a Toyota Corolla with registration number AKD-73-FL during a routine crime prevention patrol, according to the Delta State Police Command.

The command added that upon spotting the police, the vehicle’s occupants fled, prompting the officers to pursue them, noting that one of the suspects, identified as Ibohama Precious, 25, was apprehended, and illegal substances, including suspected Indian hemp and Canadian loud, were recovered.

“While the policemen were on their way to the station alongside the suspect and exhibit, upon getting to the Air Force checkpoint at Jeddo, they were stopped by the Air Force personnel and were told that they wouldn’t be allowed to proceed until they released the suspects they were carrying, which the policemen vehemently resisted and subsequently, the Air Force personnel attacked the policemen without justification.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, in a statement, condemned the incident, calling it “embarrassing,” particularly given the “cordial working relationship worthy of emulation” between the police and other security agencies in the state.

He said, “While the policemen were on their way to the station alongside the suspect and exhibit, upon getting to the Air Force checkpoint at Jeddo, they were stopped by the Air Force personnel and were told that they wouldn’t be allowed to proceed until they released the suspect they were carrying, which the policemen vehemently resisted. Subsequently, the Air Force personnel attacked the policemen without justification.”

The Commissioner disclosed that he will ensure Air Force authorities are looking into the ugly incident and putting all modalities in place to forestall future occurrences of this embarrassing situation.

Meanwhile, NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Fakinboyewa, confirmed the matter was being addressed, adding that the Air Force commander had engaged with police authorities to resolve the issue and ensure better inter-agency understanding moving forward.

Fakinboyewa also confirmed that the police officers injured in the incident received medical treatment and that the NAF personnel involved were undergoing disciplinary procedures.

Fakinboyewa said, “The NAF wishes to state that the incident has been decisively addressed. The Commander of the concerned NAF unit has engaged with the relevant Police authorities in Delta State to resolve the matter with a view to enhancing inter-agency understanding.

“Moreover, the injured police officers have received the necessary medical attention, while the NAF personnel involved are currently undergoing disciplinary procedures in accordance with military regulations.
“As a professional and disciplined force, the NAF remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and fostering harmonious relationships with sister agencies in the collective pursuit of national security and public safety.

“Accordingly, appropriate measures are being taken to prevent any recurrence of such incidents as recently witnessed in Warri, whilst the continued support and understanding of the public is highly appreciated.”