Three years after the tragic death of SP Bako Angbashim, Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Rivers State, Dr Voke Emore, has reflected on the security operations and leadership of IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.

Angbashim, who served as Divisional Police Officer of the Ahoada Police Division, was killed on September 8, 2023, at Odiemudie Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.

Disu assumed office as Rivers State Commissioner of Police on November 15, 2023, against the backdrop of heightened security concerns in parts of the state. According to Emore, the new police leadership focused on disrupting criminal networks, strengthening inter-agency cooperation and improving collaboration between the Police and communities.

THE SEARCH FOR 2BABA

A major focus of the operations was the search for David Gift, popularly known as 2Baba, who was identified by the Police as a prime suspect in connection with Angbashim’s killing.

On February 10, 2024, Police operatives raided a suspected gang camp at Odiemudie. The Police later reported that 2Baba sustained injuries during the encounter and died the following day.

His remains were subsequently located following intelligence efforts and exhumed on February 23, 2024.

The development followed intensified security operations involving the Police, other security agencies and community stakeholders.

WIDER SECURITY OPERATIONS

Emore also highlighted other operations carried out by the Rivers State Police Command during Disu’s tenure, including operations against individuals identified by the Police as leaders or members of criminal and cult groups in different parts of the state.

According to the article, these operations included those involving Silas Oderereke, John Togo, David Izuma and Peter Chukwu.

The PCRC Chairman noted that the operations brought increased security attention to communities affected by cult-related violence, kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.

DR VOKE EMORE REFLECTS ON DISU’S LEGACY

Reflecting on Disu’s tenure, Emore highlighted what he described as the importance of intelligence-led policing, community engagement, inter-agency collaboration and efforts to strengthen police morale.

He noted that Disu’s subsequent elevation to Inspector-General of Police marked another chapter in his career, while his tenure as Rivers State Commissioner of Police remains significant in discussions surrounding the state’s security operations during that period.

The reflection comes as the Police Community Relations Committee remembers SP Bako Angbashim three years after his death and honours his service to the Nigeria Police Force and the people of Rivers State.

Written by: Dr Voke Emore

Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Rivers State