Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Edo State Police Command has ordered an investigation into a confrontation involving officers of the Intelligence Response Team and personnel of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency.
The action followed the emergence of a viral video showing an altercation between the officers, with one Intelligence Response Team operative seen firing a rifle into the air during the incident.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, had met with representatives of both parties and directed a discreet investigation to determine what led to the clash.
According to the command, the inquiry will establish the facts surrounding the incident and identify any individuals found responsible for misconduct.
Ikoedem disclosed that the commissioner also ordered a review of the conduct of the officer captured in the video discharging a firearm.
“The Commissioner of Police has also directed that the conduct of the officer seen firing the rifle be subjected to appropriate disciplinary review,” the statement said.
The command reiterated its commitment to professionalism and warned that acts of indiscipline or abuse of authority would not be tolerated.
It stated that any officer found culpable after investigations, regardless of agency affiliation, would face appropriate sanctions in line with existing laws and regulations.
The police further stressed the importance of cooperation among security and government agencies, noting that effective public safety depends on mutual respect and coordinated operations.
“The incident is therefore being treated with the seriousness it deserves, without prejudice to the established working relationship between the Edo State Police Command and EDSTMA,” the statement added.
The command also urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and encouraged members of the public to report cases of police misconduct through its Complaint Response Unit.
The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances that led to the confrontation and guide any disciplinary or administrative actions arising from the incident.
