Nigerian Correctional Service Says Armed Escorts Fired Warning Shots During Attack That Left One Dead In Rivers | Sahara Reporters

The service expressed sympathy to the victim’s family and others affected by the incident, while condemning the attack on the vehicle conveying inmates and correctional officers on official duty.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said armed escorts fired warning shots into the air after individuals allegedly attacked a vehicle conveying inmates and correctional officers to court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in an incident that resulted in a death.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, along Aba Road in the Oil Mill Market area of the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections JN Osuji, the service said the vehicle conveying inmates and personnel from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Port Harcourt, encountered a traffic holdup before the alleged attack.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle conveying the inmates and accompanying personnel encountered a traffic holdup, during which some individuals allegedly attacked the vehicle,” the statement said.

“In an attempt to repel the attack and safeguard the inmates, members of the armed escort team reportedly fired warning shots into the air to scare the attackers away, resulting in the unfortunate fatal incident.”

The service expressed sympathy to the victim’s family and others affected by the incident, while condemning the attack on the vehicle conveying inmates and correctional officers on official duty.

“The Service expresses sympathy to the family of the victim and all those affected by this incident,” the statement said.

The NCoS warned that attacks on vehicles conveying inmates and correctional officers could endanger lives, threaten public safety and obstruct the performance of official duties.

“Such reckless conduct endangers lives, threatens public safety, and obstructs the lawful discharge of official responsibilities,” the statement said.

The service urged members of the public to exercise restraint, respect law enforcement operations and refrain from actions capable of escalating the situation.

It added that relevant security authorities were investigating the incident to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and determine responsibility in accordance with the law.

“The Service will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the matter is addressed through due process,” it said.

The NCoS confirmed that all inmates involved in the movement were safely returned to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Port Harcourt after the incident.

The service urged residents to remain calm while the investigation continues, reaffirming its commitment to the safe custody of inmates, the protection of its personnel and the maintenance of public safety.