Police intensify investigation into two local security chiefs killing in Rivers

The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has begun a probe into the killing of the head of a local vigilante in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, and the former chief security officer of Khana Local Government Area, which occurred within days of each other.

Ozoemela Stephen Wokocha, commander of the Omoku branch of the ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC), and three other people were killed on July 22, 2026. Meanwhile, Letam Kinee, popularly known as Langa, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Khana Local Government Area, was reportedly killed by yet-to-be-identified assailants in Bori on Sunday, less than a week later.

The deaths have heightened fears of a possible return to the pre-election violence that preceded previous general elections in the state.

Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, ASP and Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Command, in separate releases on Wednesday and Monday this week, confirmed the incidents.

She said Olugbenga Adepoju, the state Commissioner of Police, described the incidents as “unfortunate, disturbing and a threat to the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Rivers State.”

Agabe said, “The command condemns this heinous act in its entirety and assures the public that those responsible will be identified, arrested, and made to face the full weight of the law.”

She confirmed that the Omoku incident in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area claimed the lives of “one OSPAC official and three other persons, while one Obidi Emenike ‘M’ sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.”

Agabe further noted that the Commissioner of Police “enjoins all community-based security groups and local vigilante outfits across the State to work in close collaboration with the Rivers State Police Command under the supervision of their respective Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders.

“This collaboration is essential to ensure proper coordination, enhance operational effectiveness and prevent members of such groups from becoming targets of criminal elements while carrying out their lawful responsibilities.

“The command appeals to members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with the Police by providing credible and timely information that will assist ongoing investigations,” she said.

Police efforts to unravel the killers of the OSPAC members intensified on Monday following the killing of the Khana former security chief.

Agabe said Kinee’s body had been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, and that investigation had commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.

She assured that persons connected to the crime would be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Lesi Maol, president of KAGOTE, the Ogoni umbrella body, meanwhile condemned the killing and announced a ₦2 million reward for credible information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the attackers.

He described the shooting as barbaric, cruel and senseless, while urging security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.

Meanwhile, Chizzy Enyi, publicity secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State chapter, described the incident as a painful reminder of the worsening security challenges confronting the state.

He urged CP Adepoju to ensure, “This case does not become another unresolved crime. Every individual found to have participated in, facilitated or aided this criminal act must be brought before the law to answer for their actions. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.”