The Delta State Police Command says no shooting occurred during a tragic patrol incident in Ogwashi-Uku that led to the deaths of a personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service and a civilian identified as Adama Augustine.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, said the incident happened on 14 May 2026 along the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku Road near Mega Chis during a joint patrol involving police officers and personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service.

According to the Command, patrol operatives spotted two men who fled on seeing the team, triggering a chase by forest security personnel attached to the patrol unit.

Police said Adama Augustine reportedly jumped into an uncompleted building while attempting to escape.

“One of the Forest officers continued chasing him but sadly, in the process, both Agama Augustine and the Forest officer fell into an abandoned open site well inside an uncompleted building site and drowned,” the statement said.

The victims were reportedly rescued and rushed to Ogwashi General Hospital, where doctors confirmed them dead.

Their bodies have been deposited at the hospital morgue pending autopsy.

Police Move to Counter Rumours

The Delta Police Command said it released the statement to “set the records straight” following reports and speculation surrounding the incident.

“We want to make it very clear: No shooting took place. Nobody was killed by the police,” SP Edafe Bright stated.

The Command added that an investigation had already commenced and appealed to residents to remain calm while authorities establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The police also urged members of the public to disregard rumours and continue cooperating with security agencies.

Why the Incident Matters

The incident has renewed conversations around operational safety during security patrols and the condition of abandoned buildings across parts of Delta State.

Community members in Ogwashi-Uku have repeatedly raised concerns over unsecured construction sites and open wells, which residents say pose dangers to both civilians and security personnel.

Security analysts say the tragedy also highlights the risks associated with joint operations involving multiple security agencies, especially in high-pressure pursuit situations.

Justice Sector Collaboration in Focus

Earlier on the same day, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, received the Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Hon. Justice G.B. Briki-Okolosi, during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Asaba.

According to police authorities, discussions during the visit focused on strengthening collaboration between the police and justice sector stakeholders to improve criminal justice administration, speed up the dispensation of justice, and deepen adherence to the rule of law in Delta State.

The engagement comes amid broader national conversations around police accountability, justice reforms, and inter-agency cooperation within Nigeria’s security architecture.

What Happens Next?

Police authorities say investigations into the Ogwashi-Uku incident are ongoing.

The Command has not yet announced whether any officers or patrol personnel will face questioning or administrative review as part of the probe.

Residents and civil society groups are expected to monitor the investigation closely as calls grow for improved operational safety procedures during patrol activities.

The Nigeria Police Force says its Safe Schools Initiative is emerging as a model for school protection across Africa after an African Union delegation visited Nigeria to study the programme.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu received Ambassador Jainaba Jagne and an international delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on 13 May as part of efforts to strengthen the safety of schools and children affected by insecurity.

The delegation included representatives from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Ethiopia, the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, and Save the Children International.

According to the police, the visit focused on Nigeria’s Schools Protection Squad Command and Control Centre under the Safe Schools Declaration framework.

Why It Matters

The development comes as many African countries continue to battle armed conflict, banditry, terrorism, and attacks on schools.

Nigeria itself has experienced repeated school abductions in recent years, particularly in northern states, prompting authorities to increase security measures around educational institutions.

Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne praised the Nigeria Police Force for its approach to school security.

“Several African countries are looking to understudy and adapt the Nigerian Safe Schools model,” she said.

She added that African Union member states had shown “strong interest” in Nigeria’s initiative as part of wider continental efforts to protect children and educational institutions affected by insecurity.

Police Promise Intelligence-Led School Protection

In his remarks, IGP Disu said the police would continue working with education authorities, development partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety nationwide.

He said the Force would deploy intelligence-led policing, patrol operations, rapid response systems, and technology-driven solutions to protect schools.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration,” the IGP said.

Security analysts say Nigeria’s model could become influential if it delivers measurable reductions in attacks on schools and improves emergency response capabilities.

Education advocates have also argued that stronger school protection systems are essential to improving school attendance and reducing fear among parents in conflict-prone communities.

Nigeria Police Dismiss Officers Accused of Kidnapping and Extortion

The announcement on school safety came as the Nigeria Police Force disclosed fresh disciplinary actions against officers accused of criminal activities in Rivers State.

The Force said several police personnel had been dismissed, arrested, or prosecuted over allegations including kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, stealing, and abuse of office.

According to the police, the actions are part of ongoing internal reforms aimed at improving accountability and public trust.

Officers Accused of Running Illegal Patrol Operations

Investigators said one syndicate involved serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa.

The officers — Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus — allegedly conducted illegal patrols in Port Harcourt, abducted victims during stop-and-search operations, and forced them to transfer money from bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

Police said three additional officers — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — are currently being sought.

Authorities said they recovered three Toyota Sienna vehicles allegedly used in the operations and traced ₦7.3 million to the suspected criminal activities.

Five Officers Dismissed

In a separate case, officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations in Rivers State were accused of kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.

The implicated officers — Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu — were dismissed after internal disciplinary proceedings, according to police authorities.

The Force said the officers would face prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.

Public Trust and Police Reform

The cases are likely to renew public debate about misconduct within Nigeria’s police system, particularly allegations of extortion and abuse during stop-and-search operations.

Civil society groups have repeatedly called for stronger oversight mechanisms, improved welfare for officers, and faster prosecution of personnel accused of corruption or human rights abuses.

The Nigeria Police Force urged citizens to continue reporting misconduct through official complaint channels.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to a professional, transparent, accountable, and service-driven policing system,” the statement said.

Industry and Public Reactions

Security experts say the simultaneous promotion of school safety initiatives and prosecution of corrupt officers reflects an attempt by the police leadership to balance reform with public accountability.

Analysts note that public confidence in policing institutions will depend not only on policy announcements but also on visible enforcement actions against erring officers.

Parents’ groups and education advocates have also welcomed stronger school security efforts but say long-term success will depend on sustained funding, technology deployment, and collaboration with local communities.

What’s Next?

The African Union and partner organisations are expected to continue studying Nigeria’s Safe Schools framework for possible adaptation across member states.

Meanwhile, the prosecution of dismissed officers in Rivers State will likely be closely watched as a test of the Nigeria Police Force’s anti-corruption and accountability reforms.

Women-focused banking platform SARA By Wema has selected Enatta Foundation founder, Mrs Adi Okuyelu, as one of the mentors for its 2026 mentorship programme aimed at supporting personal growth, entrepreneurship, career development, and skills enhancement for women and young professionals.

The announcement was made through a LinkedIn post published by Enatta Foundation, which described the appointment as a significant step in expanding mentorship opportunities for underserved communities.

According to the Foundation, Mrs Okuyelu’s selection reflects her years of work supporting women and vulnerable groups through empowerment initiatives and community development programmes.

“Mama Enatta’s work with women in underserved communities aligns perfectly with Sara by Wema’s mission to unlock potential and create sustainable growth,” the Foundation said in the post.

The organisation added:

“From riverine communities to boardrooms, we believe that when you invest in someone’s potential, you transform entire communities.”

Why the mentorship programme matters

SARA By Wema, a women-focused initiative of Wema Bank, has continued to position itself as a platform for female empowerment, financial inclusion, leadership training, and entrepreneurship support across Nigeria.

Industry analysts say mentorship programmes have become increasingly important as young entrepreneurs and professionals seek guidance, access to networks, and practical career support in a challenging economic climate.

Development experts also note that mentorship initiatives targeting women and underserved communities can help close gaps in leadership representation and economic participation.

Mrs Okuyelu’s inclusion in the programme is expected to bring grassroots development experience into conversations around leadership, enterprise growth, and social impact.

Focus on women, youth empowerment

Enatta Foundation has built a reputation around supporting women and young people in underserved communities through education, advocacy, and empowerment initiatives.

The Foundation said the partnership aligns with its broader mission of transforming lives through opportunity creation and mentorship.

Observers say collaborations between financial institutions and non-profit organisations are becoming more common as businesses increasingly invest in social impact programmes alongside traditional banking services.

Registration details

Interested participants can register for the mentorship programme through the official registration link shared by the Foundation:

Register for the SARA By Wema Mentorship Programme; https://lnkd.in/equEtcCp

What’s next?

The mentorship programme is expected to feature sessions on leadership, entrepreneurship, career development, and personal growth throughout 2026.

Participants are also expected to gain access to networking opportunities, mentorship circles, and industry insights from experienced professionals across sectors.