Eight suspects have been arrested over the gruesome murder of six policemen in the Ohoro Forest in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Announcing the arrest in a statement on Saturday, Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
He said the arrest of the suspects followed intensive investigative efforts, adding that five suspects were initially arrested shortly after the incident, with additional three suspects apprehended, at different locations.
“The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. While the Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this reprehensible act, and many alike, are brought to justice swiftly and decisively,” Adejobi said.
“The Police assure that the suspects will soon have their day in court, with credible evidence, once investigations are concluded.
“The Nigeria Police is deeply saddened by the heinous act of violence against our officers who were diligently performing their duty to protect and serve the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers during this difficult time.”
Adejobi also reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police to bring all those involved in the tragic incident to book, assuring that none of them will go unpunished.
Delta has witnessed the brutal killings of security operatives, with the latest being the ambush and murder of 17 personnel of the Nigerian Army.
On March 14, 17 military operatives comprising the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and 12 personnel of the battalion were killed while on a peace mission to warring Okuama and Okoloba communities in the area.
The beheaded corpses of the slain soldiers were later recovered from a neigbouring river, while the stomachs and hearts of others were ripped off.
The gruesome murder has continued to draw condemnation from authorities in Nigeria. Tinubu had described it as an attack on the nation and gave marching orders to security agencies to fish out the masterminds of the attack.
Two weeks later, the military authorities conducted funeral rites in the honour of the slain soldiers, with wreaths laid in their memory.