ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has dismissed as false a viral video alleging that officers fired live ammunition and shot a civilian in Oviore, Orerokpe, insisting that no such action occurred during the incident.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command clarified that officers on routine patrol responded to a tense situation using only approved non-lethal measures, contrary to claims circulating on social media.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on April 30, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m., when a surveillance patrol team from the Orerokpe Division attempted to apprehend a suspected drug user in Okuodjedjere Community. The situation reportedly escalated after some youths resisted the arrest, prompting officers to deploy tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd and safely disengage.
The Command explained that at no point was live ammunition discharged, emphasising that the use of tear gas was strictly in line with crowd control protocols.
It, however, acknowledged that one of the smoke canisters struck a civilian on the leg during the operation, resulting in injury. The victim, police said, was immediately taken to a hospital and is currently receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of human rights, noting that any misuse of force would attract appropriate sanctions.
He urged members of the public to disregard what he described as misleading narratives and rely on verified updates from official police communication channels.
