A simmering ‘cold war’ has erupted between the Anambra Police Command and the Department of Security Service (DSS) following the alleged fatal shooting of a Police Inspector. The tragic incident occurred in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area, along the Owerri/Onitsha expressway near the Danaks filling station, during a routine ‘stop and search’ exercise conducted by the police. The event has significantly heightened tension across the State, with both the Police and DSS pointing accusing fingers at each other.

The victim, identified as Inspector Bello Abdullah of the 29 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Awka, was part of a patrol team engaged in checks when they intercepted an unmarked Toyota Sienna vehicle reportedly driving against traffic. Unaware that the vehicle was occupied by DSS operatives, the police team flagged it down for a search. Accounts from eyewitnesses indicate that the DSS personnel allegedly resisted the police’s move, leading to an altercation. In the ensuing chaotic exchange of fire, a bullet struck Inspector Abdullah in his lower rib region, critically injuring him. He was immediately rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala and subsequently referred to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead upon arrival.

Anambra Police Command’s spokesman, Superintendent of Police (SP) Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development, describing it as distressing but also as an “unfortunate and a mistake,” clarifying that the deceased was “mistakenly fatally shot by operatives of a ‘friendly force’”. He stated that the armed security operatives, dressed in black attire, emerging from an unmarked vehicle, initially sparked suspicion and led to the exchange. SP Ikenga appealed for calm, assuring the public that the situation had since been brought under control and the case officially transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Awka for a discreet and comprehensive investigation. He emphasized that all necessary protocols were being followed to ensure justice and prevent recurrence, with the body of the deceased deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Despite the official stance, underlying animosity persists. Some police officers are reportedly spoiling for retaliation, with a senior police officer speaking anonymously to The Nation, describing the incident as an “affront to the Police” that the command would not let die. Conversely, a senior DSS source, also speaking anonymously, expressed that the stop-and-search team’s actions were an “embarrassment” to them, accusing the police of always claiming superiority over other security agencies. The DSS source defiantly stated, “Anyway they want it we are ready. We’ve kept quiet for a long time.” However, the source acknowledged that the current Police Commissioner, Ikioye Orutugu, is perceived as a “nice person,” implying that the issue lies with the behaviour of some of his men. The incident, marked by sudden and chaotic shootings, caused panic among residents and shop owners in the area.