Police officer killed as SWAT, civil defence clash at Ebonyi quarry site
A clash between operatives of the Nigeria Police Force’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has left one police officer dead and two civilians injured at a disputed quarry site in Amaeze community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, was confirmed by the Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Ebonyi Command, Assistant Superintendent of Corps (ASC) Emmanuella Ibeneme, who said investigations were ongoing. According to her, NSCDC personnel had been deployed to secure a mining site owned by a Chinese company when an altercation broke out with police operatives, leading to gunfire.
Police spokesperson in Ebonyi, DSP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed the incident, stating that an NSCDC officer allegedly obstructed a lawful arrest, attempted to seize a rifle, and fatally shot a policeman. He warned against any actions that hinder police duties, noting that investigations had commenced.
Community leaders linked the clash to a lingering dispute over ownership and operations at the Mboro Ajaenyim Quarry site. Chairman of Amaeze Development Union, Mr. Ogbonna Nwaeni, said a company, Hephziba and Beulah Concepts Limited, moved heavy equipment into the site with support from Civil Defence personnel and “dissident youths,” prompting him to alert the police.
“Both security agencies went confrontational in their approaches, leading to an exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of a police officer,” Nwaeni said. He accused the company of ignoring the host community and threatening locals who opposed their operations.
Another community leader, Dr. Gilbert Aro, condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation. A representative of the company, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the officer’s death but declined further comment.
The clash has heightened tension in Amaeze, where disputes over the quarry’s ownership and operations remain unresolved.
