In what will come across as a really startling development, two Nigerian police officers have been shot dead by gunmen suspected to be terrorists.
The officers were shot dead while two other individuals were abducted by the gunmen at a mining site in Oreke-Oke-Igbo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The victims of the abduction, which occurred around 6:30pm on June 4, 2025, include a Chinese national, Mr. Sam Xie Wie, and his Nigerian colleague, Mr. David Adenaiye, a native of Kogi State.
According to reports, the assailants, who were reportedly aware of the police escort protecting the expatriate, launched a surprise attack from behind.
The officers — ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah, both of 45 PMF, Abuja— were k!lled in a hail of gunfire before their rifles were taken and the two workers abducted.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Police Command issued a statement describing the attack as “deadly” and “heinous.”
“The Kwara State Police Command confirms a deadly attack and abduction incident that occurred on June 4, 2025, at about 1830hrs. This heinous act was done at a mining site located in Oreke-Okeigbo in the Ifelodun local government area of the state.”
“Information received from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oreke indicates that a group of unidentified armed assailants invaded the said mining facility, where they tragically shot and k!lled two operatives of the Nigeria Police Force —.ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah, both attached to 45 PMF, Abuja, who were on official protective assignment at the location.”
“The attackers also carted away the rifles of the deceased officers.”
The statement further revealed that the gunmen abducted two individuals during the attack.
“In addition to the heinous k!llings, the assailants abducted two individuals: Mr. Sam Xie Wie, a Chinese national, and Mr. David Adenaiye, a native from Kogi State who was working at the mining site at the time of the incident.”
Reacting to the attack, Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Adekimi Ojo, condemned the act and assured the public of ongoing efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Adekimi Ojo, strongly condemns this act of brutality and assures the public that the Command has since swung into decisive action.”
“Tactical and intelligence-driven efforts are currently underway to ensure the swift rescue of the abducted victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this cowardly attack,” the statement further said.
“The Command is working in close synergy with other security agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen its presence in the area and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.”
The police urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities.
“Residents of Kwara State are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as the Command remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property across the state. We appeal to members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could aid the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.”
“Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress,” concluded the statement.
Kwara State has been hit with insecurity in recent times with a new terrorists group Mahmuda responsible for multiple attacks in the state.
