Mishandling of firearm during transit leaves one officer dead and another injured in Onne, Rivers State

Tragedy struck in Rivers State on Sunday, January 18, 2026, after a Nigerian police inspector accidentally discharged his service weapon, fatally injuring a colleague and wounding another.

The incident involved an inspector attached to a multinational logistics company in Onne, Rivers State. The officer, identified as Inspector Victor Okus, has since been arrested for allegedly mishandling his firearm while traveling with other officers.

According to police sources, the incident occurred at about 1:00 p.m. as the officers were en route from Life Camp to their residential quarters. Inspector Okus, a personnel of the 19 Police Mobile Force (PMF) assigned to Hintex Logistics, was in the same vehicle with two officers from the 14 PMF unit based in Yola.

A police report, relayed by Inspector Mathew Bawa through the Port Harcourt Mine Unit Commander, DSP Chika Njoku, stated that Okus negligently handled his firearm, leading to an accidental discharge. The bullet struck the two officers traveling with him.

Both injured officers were immediately rushed to Nobsams Hospital in Trans-Amadi for urgent medical attention. However, doctors later confirmed that one of the victims, Inspector Ibrahim Sani, succumbed to his injuries. The second officer, Inspector Daniel Dauda, is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Following the incident, Inspector Okus was promptly disarmed and declared a defaulter. He has been taken into custody and is being detained at the Trans-Amadi Divisional Headquarters pending the outcome of a full investigation.

The Rivers State Police Command has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and that further details will be made available as inquiries progress.

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