One killed as thugs attack NCoS vehicle conveying inmates to court

An unnamed person has been confirmed dead following an attack on a vehicle conveying inmates and personnel of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Port Harcourt, Rivers state, to court on Tuesday.

A statement on Wednesday by Jane Osuji, the NCoS public relations officer, said the incident occurred along Aba road, in the Oil Mill market area of the state.

Osuji said 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 NCoS spokesperson said that 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”.

Osuji said the NCoS “expresses sympathy to the family of the victim and all those affected by this incident”.

“While investigations into the circumstances surrounding the occurrence are ongoing, the Service strongly condemns the attack on the vehicles conveying inmates and personnel on legitimate national assignment,” the statement reads.

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

The statement said all inmates involved in the movement were safely returned to the MSCC, Port Harcourt, while relevant security authorities are investigating the incident to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and determine any culpability in accordance with the law.

Osuji said the agency would cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the matter is addressed through due process.

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