Nigerian Police, Air Force Officers Clash Over Drug Suspect in Delta

Personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, caught in a viral video assaulting police officers at a checkpoint near the Air Force Base in Warri, Delta State, have been identified and are currently facing disciplinary actions.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday. The statement also confirmed that the injured police officers had been taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

The viral footage captured a heated confrontation between officers of both security agencies. The altercation, which occurred on a busy road, disrupted traffic as the uniformed men exchanged blows.

During the scuffle, a police officer attempting to flee was dragged back by Air Force personnel towards the base. The video has since sparked widespread reactions, with many condemning the actions of the Air Force officers.

Several social media users criticized the military personnel for their actions. An X user, @tunisky, commented, “This is a legacy of prolonged military rule. Soldiers were once ranked above police officers, affecting the morale of policemen.”

Another user, @churchillt14851, highlighted concerns about law enforcement corruption in the region, tweeting, “This Air Force checkpoint along Jeddo Road in Okpe LG, Delta State, is notorious. The level of corruption from security forces in this area is alarming. The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, should intervene and restore order.”

Similarly, @SquareC123 remarked, “Nigeria has never worked, is not working, and insists it won’t work in the future. But we are ignoring the signs.”

In response to the incident, the Nigerian Air Force assured the public that the matter was being handled appropriately.

The statement read: “The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to a video circulating on social and other media, showing an altercation between some NAF personnel and police officers in Warri, Delta State, on Tuesday, 11 February 2025.

“The NAF wishes to state that the situation has been decisively addressed.

“The Commander of the concerned NAF unit has engaged with the relevant police authorities in Delta State to resolve the matter and strengthen inter-agency cooperation. Additionally, the injured police officers have received necessary medical care, while the NAF personnel involved are undergoing disciplinary action in line with military regulations.

“As a professional and disciplined force, the NAF remains committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and fostering a cooperative relationship with other security agencies for the safety of the nation. Measures are being taken to prevent future occurrences of incidents like this, and we appreciate the public’s continued support and understanding.”

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