VIDEO: Civilians confront officer in Delta, govt warns against assault on security personnel

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The Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to the public against the assault of law enforcement officers following a viral video showing a heated confrontation between civilians and members of the joint security task force, Operation Delta Sweep.

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The incident, which gained attention on social media on Monday, captures an altercation where some civilians accused security personnel of oppression and theft, citing a recent extrajudicial killing in the state as the backdrop for their anger.

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In the video shared on X by a user identified as ChuksEricE, the man filming the altercation was heard shouting at an officer, “Give him his phone! This is stealing. This is oppression. That is how you killed an innocent civilian a few days ago. These are oppressors.”

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Another man was seen grabbing the officer by his shirt, dragging him while the officer struggled to break free.

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Despite attempts by other uniformed personnel to intervene, the civilian held on firmly, leading to a prolonged struggle.

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Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, the Director General of Security Matters and Coordinator of Operation Sweep, David Tonwe, issued a formal public notice, clarifying that the officer involved in the struggle was a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on official duty, not a police officer as initially rumoured.

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While acknowledging the public’s grief over the death of Oghenemine Ogidi in Effurun, he emphasised that grievances do not justify physical attacks on state agents.

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“The Office of the Director General Security Matters is not unaware of the current tension… following the unfortunate incident involving the death of Mr. Oghenemine Ogidi,” the statement read.

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“However, it has become necessary to address a disturbing trend. No citizen is permitted to take the law into their own hands, insult, or assault officers discharging their lawful duties.”

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Tonwe stated that the officer was conducting a routine patrol and was “accosted” and “unruly questioned” for the lawful stop before the physical assault occurred.

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The statement outlined a zero-tolerance policy for such behaviour, warning that assault, obstruction, or disrespect toward law enforcement officers is a criminal offence that will be met with the “full weight of the law.”

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It also warned that self-help or mob action is strictly prohibited, as “two wrongs do not make a right.”

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It urged citizens with complaints regarding misconduct or brutality to use official channels, such as the Police Complaints Response Unit or the Office of the Director General of Security Matters.

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Appealing for calm, urging residents to allow the law to take its course regarding the Ogidi investigation, stressing that attacking officers “endangers the entire community.”

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PUNCH reports that Ogidi, a 28-year-old musician, was fatally shot by a police officer and former operative of the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad, ASP Nuhu Usman, in broad daylight.n

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The police have confirmed that Usman has been arrested, and following the dismissal of officers implicated in the shooting, the case has been officially transferred to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution.n

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The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has also ordered an immediate nationwide audit of arms and ammunition across all state commands to strengthen accountability and prevent the misuse of operational assets.n

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Watch the video below:

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𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐚, 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥

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The Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to the public against the assault of law enforcement…

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— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch)

n May 5, 2026n

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