Three Arrested in Rivers Over Killing of Civil Defence Officer
Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Assistant Superintendent of Corps II, Kalu Samuel Ali, in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The arrests were confirmed by the Etche Local Government Chairperson, Chima Njoku, who said the suspects were apprehended after members of the public provided information to security operatives.
“Three persons suspected to be involved in the murder of NSCDC officer Ali have been arrested by the Nigeria Police,” a statement by the council’s spokesperson, Dagogo Isaac, said. “The suspects are currently in police custody and are making useful statements to authorities as investigations continue.”
Circumstances of the Killing
The officer was reportedly shot dead on Monday, March 10, 2026, while on surveillance duty linked to the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in Port Harcourt.
According to police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspects were apprehended through a joint operation involving the Divisional Police Officer of Okehie, the NSCDC, the Anti-Cultism Unit, and some community youths.
The council chairperson, Mr. Njoku, condemned the attack, stating that the killing occurred despite ongoing efforts to curb criminality and illegal mining in the area. “I’ve never seen a situation where an association is bigger than the government; that these people will take laws into their hands by killing a civil defence officer attached to Federal Mines in Etche,” he said.
Government and Community Response
Following the incident, Mr. Njoku announced the sealing of two tipper driver parks in Etche to curb illegal mining activities. He urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue and emphasized that security agencies are actively working to prevent further attacks.
The killing has highlighted persistent security challenges in the area and raised concerns about the safety of officers engaged in federal operations.