Naval ratings attached to the Nigeria Navy Ship, (NNS Delta), Warri in Delta State have attacked a police sergeant (name withheld) who had an altercation with one of their colleagues.
The affected Naval rating, identified as Kevwe Ejaita accompanied by about fifteen other naval ratings stormed the Enerhen Division of the Nigeria Police Force on Thursday, March 3, 2023, tore the uniform of the police sergeant and inflicted injuries on his face.
Confirming the attack on the police sergeant, the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe in a statement on Sunday said “On 08/03/2023 at about 1445hrs a Naval rating, identified as Kevwe Ejaita ‘m’ alongside two others who lodged at Oguta lake hotel behind Enerhen Division, while driving out of the area, had an altercation with one the policemen posted as Station Guards at the security barrier in front of the Police Station.
“Surprisingly, on 09/03/2023, the said Kevwe Ejaita, returned to the station with about fifteen other naval ratings, attacked the police sergeant (name withheld) with whom he had an altercation the previous day, tore his uniform and inflicted injuries on his face. The DPO Enerhen Division promptly responded with his men, and the attack was successfully repelled while the said Kevwe Ejaita, who was the arrowhead of the group, was arrested.
“The Naval authority in Warri on being informed of the situation detailed a team of Naval Police personnel to proceed to the Division. The arrested Naval Rating was released to the navy authority on request for necessary disciplinary action. The injured police sergeant was taken to the hospital for treatment and later discharged. Meanwhile, the command and the leadership of Nigerian Navy in the state have taken steps to avert a reoccurrence.
“The Commissioner of police Delta State Police Command CP Ari Muhammed Ali, while condemning the act by the Naval Ratings, appreciates members of the public for their concern. He, therefore, warned in strong terms that assault on police officers while performing their lawful duties by anyone will not be tolerated and advised residents of the state to learn to seek redress through the established channels rather than adopting self-help options by taking the law into their own hands.”