The Anambra State Police Command has summoned the Area Commander and all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) serving in Onitsha following a shooting incident at the River Niger Head Bridge.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, August 19, reportedly followed an argument between a police officer and a trader over an alleged ₦5,000 bribe.
According to reports, the trader was transporting pharmaceutical products in a wheelbarrow to a motor park when the confrontation allegedly occurred. The police officer was said to have fired a shot during the dispute, triggering panic among traders and other residents around the busy bridge.
The incident reportedly angered traders, who blocked the road in protest, causing significant traffic disruption around the Head Bridge axis. The officer allegedly involved was also said to have left the scene shortly after the incident.
However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the alleged bribe and the identity and conduct of the officer involved, had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, ordered a high-level supervisory meeting with the Area Commander and all DPOs in Onitsha at the Command headquarters in Awka on Thursday.
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The meeting, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, was aimed at reviewing the incident, strengthening operational supervision and ensuring accountability among police personnel in the commercial city.
The Commissioner directed the DPOs to provide detailed briefings on security and policing activities within their respective jurisdictions, with particular attention to preventing unprofessional conduct by officers.
CP Nnanna reiterated his zero-tolerance stance towards abuse of police powers, stressing that officers found violating professional standards would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with established regulations.
He also charged the DPOs to strengthen internal supervision, maintain effective command and control, and promptly address genuine complaints from residents, traders and business owners.
The Commissioner assured residents of Onitsha and the wider Anambra State that the Police Command remained committed to professional, accountable and people-oriented policing.
He further encouraged members of the public to report genuine security concerns and complaints through the appropriate channels, assuring that credible complaints would be properly investigated.
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