By Austin Ogwuda
…. killed DPO resumed duty 2 days earlier before his death
BARELY three months after a newly posted Divisional Police Officer DPO, Hassan Jega, a Chief Superintendent of Police CSP attached to the Agbarho Police Division in Delta State, South South, Nigeria was killed in an ambush by a deadly kidnap/robbery gang, one of the gang members has been apprehended.
The Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP confirmed this in a statement on Monday.
Adejobi said that apart from the arrest of the suspect, four members of the gang had earlier been killed during exchange of fire in their hideout.
The FPRO stated that “On 1 November 2024, operatives of the FID-IRT arrested one Ogaga Dickson, male, 35 years, a member of a notorious armed robbery syndicate responsible for the death of CSP Hassan Jega, the DPO of Agbarho Division, Delta State.
“Jega was killed on 14 October 2024 during a fierce gun battle between a team of police officers led by the deceased DPO and the assailants after the team of policemen had foiled one of their robbery operations.
“The operatives had earlier stormed the gang’s den and engaged them in a fierce gun duel, leading to the neutralisation of four gang members.
“Upon Ogaga’s arrest, the police recovered one AK-47 rifle, one English pistol, one locally made pistol, ammunition of various calibers, and six exotic vehicles”, he added.
A Human Rights Activist, Comrade Israel Joe, broke the sad news in his Facebook post that very fateful Monday morning.
He wrote thus:
“A devastating blow to the Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force.
The new DPO of Agbarho, who resumed just two days ago, along with the DPO of Orerokpe, CSP Paul, and their team, were ambushed at about 1:00 am while on a kidnap rescue operation near Agbarho Rail Station.
“There was an exchange of gunfire, resulting in the death of the new DPO. The Orerokpe DPO was rushed to a hospital, where he is currently fighting for his life.
“I am deeply pained by this news. Just yesterday, I had a conversation with the DPO about the conduct of his officers, and he swiftly addressed the issue, cautioning his men against any misconduct under his watch. This loss is heartbreaking, as I can personally attest to the integrity of these Officers.
“I extend my condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, the Delta State Command, and the family and friends of the officer who gave his life in the line of duty. None of these criminals should be spared”, he stated.
*Photo caption: the killed DPO, CSP Hassan Jega
