Fresh developments have emerged in the long-running attempted murder case involving a serving police officer in Bayelsa State, as Operation Puff Adder has officially taken over investigations into the August 2022 shooting of Inspector Ekperi Edwin Osuo.
A suspect connected to the attack has been arrested and is currently in police custody, awaiting arraignment—marking the first concrete prosecutorial step since the incident occurred nearly three years ago.
The renewed action follows sustained public pressure, heightened media attention, and a fresh petition submitted to the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, amid earlier allegations that the case was compromised at the zonal level.
Inspector Osuo was shot and left for dead by unidentified gunmen along his street in Akenfa, Yenagoa, on August 21, 2022. Police sources at the time described the incident as an armed robbery and attempted assassination.
He sustained life-threatening injuries and underwent emergency surgery. Medical sources say pellets from the gunshot are still reportedly lodged in his body more than three years after the attack.
The case had previously generated controversy following claims that a key suspect linked to the shooting was released under questionable circumstances after being handed over to the Nigeria Police Force by the military.
However, credible security sources now confirm that Operation Puff Adder—a special tactical and intelligence-driven unit of the Nigeria Police Force—has assumed full control of the investigation.
Police insiders describe the takeover as part of deliberate efforts by the new Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State to ensure a thorough, impartial, and intelligence-led probe, given the sensitivity of the case and the victim’s status as a serving officer.
Security analysts say the involvement of Operation Puff Adder signals renewed commitment by the Nigeria Police Force to resolve unresolved violent crimes, particularly those involving attacks on its personnel. They add that the outcome of the case could set an important precedent.
Police authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured the public that the matter will be pursued to its logical conclusion.
The case remains under close watch as Nigerians await the formal arraignment of the suspect and further disclosures from investigators.
