By Our Correspondent
A tragic stop-and-search operation in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, has ended in bloodshed as operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) allegedly shot and killed a police inspector.
The incident occurred on Monday, June 24, at about 5:50 p.m. along the Onitsha/Owerri Expressway, near the Danaks Filling Station.
The deceased officer, identified as Inspector Bello Abdullah of the 29 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Awka, was part of a patrol team conducting routine checks when they intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle reportedly driving against traffic.
Unaware that the vehicle was being used by DSS operatives, the police team flagged it down for a search.
The DSS personnel allegedly resisted the move, and in the ensuing altercation, opened fire.
A bullet struck Inspector Abdullah, who was rushed to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, but was confirmed dead on arrival.
The DSS operatives, reportedly attached to the Ihiala Local Government Secretariat, fled the scene immediately after the incident.
The Anambra State Police Command is said to have commenced investigations into the incident, which has sparked public outcry and renewed concerns over inter-agency clashes among security operatives in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, both the DSS and the police authorities are yet to issue official statements on the matter.
