There is rising tension in Jeddo community, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, following a clash between police operatives and Nigerian Air Force personnel over the attempted arrest of an alleged internet fraudster, commonly known as a “Yahoo boy.”
A viral video circulating on social media captured the altercation between the two security agencies.
According to reports, the police operatives—dressed in plain clothes and using an unbranded vehicle—attempted to apprehend the suspect. However, the young man, suspecting they were kidnappers or robbers, abandoned his vehicle and ran to a nearby Air Force checkpoint, alerting the officers on duty.
The Air Force personnel subsequently blocked the road and intercepted the policemen, who were towing the suspect’s vehicle. Despite identifying themselves, the officers were not allowed to proceed, leading to a heated argument that escalated into sporadic gunfire.
Some police officers sustained injuries during the altercation, but the situation was eventually brought under control when the Air Force Commander intervened. The injured officers were later treated at the Air Force clinic.
Confirming the incident, the Delta State Police Command, through its spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, described the clash as “embarrassing.”
He stated that the police, while on patrol, had flagged down a Toyota Corolla with registration number AKD-73-FL. However, upon seeing the officers, the occupants fled, prompting a chase that led to the arrest of one suspect, Ibohama Precious (25), along with hard drugs, including suspected Indian hemp and Canadian loud.
While transporting the suspect and exhibits to the station, the police were stopped at the Air Force checkpoint, where the personnel allegedly insisted that the suspect be released. When the police refused, a confrontation ensued, leading to the attack on the officers.
SP Edafe emphasized that the Delta State Police Command and other security agencies, including the Air Force, maintain a strong working relationship. He assured that both the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, and Air Force authorities are investigating the incident to prevent a recurrence.
