Delta Police Officer arrested after viral video shows him shooting at civilian car; CP orders investigation and vows disciplinary action

A Delta Police Officer has been arrested after a viral video captured him firing a shot at the vehicle of an unarmed civilian in the Asaba area of Delta State, drawing widespread condemnation from the public.

Also read: Delta Police arrest woman for alleged baby theft in Koko

The incident, which surfaced online earlier this week, prompted the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, to order an immediate and thorough investigation into the officer’s conduct.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the Delta State Police Command described the officer’s behaviour as unprofessional and unbecoming of a law enforcement official.

“The command is aware of the viral video of a policeman who shot at a moving vehicle in Asaba,” the statement read.

“After a careful examination of the video clip, it is clear that the policeman acted in an unprofessional manner, unbecoming of a police officer.”

The Delta Police Officer has since been identified and taken into custody at the command headquarters. Preliminary findings revealed that the officer was responding to a reported hit-and-

run case when the incident occurred.

However, SP Edafe stressed that the use of firearms must comply strictly with Force Order 237, which outlines when police officers may resort to the use of deadly force.

“No policeman has the right to use his firearm without recourse to Force Order 237. It is the duty of every Nigerian Police officer to protect lives and property, not to endanger them,” he said.

The Commissioner assured members of the public that disciplinary measures would be applied in accordance with the Police Act and Regulations to serve as a deterrent to others.

“The CP assures the public that the officer concerned will be dealt with in accordance with extant laws. Protection of life and property remains our priority,” the statement added.

This latest incident involving a Delta Police Officer adds to growing concerns over the excessive use of force by security operatives across Nigeria.

In April 2024, a police sergeant in Lagos was dismissed after fatally shooting an unarmed motorist during an argument at a checkpoint — a case that similarly drew national outrage.

Also read: Three arrested for accusing Delta policemen of stealing N50m gold chains

As investigations continue, the Delta State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to accountability, professionalism, and the protection of citizens’ rights under the rule of law.

Source: Read more at vanguardngr.com