By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, rule of law, and inter-agency cooperation following the shooting incident in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo, Osun State, which resulted in the death of a civilian.
In a statement addressing the growing public interest surrounding the incident and the response from the Nigeria Customs Service, the Force said investigations are ongoing and will be conducted with the highest level of professionalism and forensic diligence.
According to the statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the police acknowledged the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service in anti-smuggling operations but stressed that the protection of human life remains the highest priority of the state.
He disclosed that the Kayode Egbetokun has taken note of the call by the Customs Service for a harmonised investigation into the incident and assured both the sister agency and the public that the probe would be transparent and thorough.
Placid stated that the investigation is currently being led by the Osun State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), which is handling the matter with detailed forensic procedures aimed at establishing the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The police confirmed that the suspects, Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel, remain in custody to facilitate a transparent inquiry.
He added that exhibits recovered from the scene, including a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024 and 9mm ballistic evidence, are currently undergoing specialised forensic analysis to ensure that all available facts are aligned with the operational Rules of Engagement.
The police also emphasised that relations between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Customs Service remain strong and professional, urging members of the public not to portray the incident as an institutional conflict between the two agencies.
According to the Force, the matter is being treated strictly as one of individual professional accountability, while both agencies remain united in their commitment to justice and the rule of law.
The statement further conveyed the condolences of the Nigeria Police Force to the family of the deceased, assuring them and the public that the investigation would be concluded in a manner that upholds the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
