The Nigeria Police Force operatives have apprehended eight suspects believed to be connected to the killing of several policemen in the Ughelli area of Delta State.

This is coming barely a week after five people were arrested in connection to the murder of the officers.

Last Saturday, the police released the identities of 12 policemen, six of whom they said were murdered and the six others still missing during a rescue operation in the state.

The officers, including Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT), Inspector Friday Irorere, Sergeant Kuden Elisha, Sergeant Akpan Aniette, Sergeant Ayere Paul, and Sergeant Ejemito Friday, were ambushed on February 23 while on a rescue mission.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the policemen were ambushed by armed assailants while undertaking a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in Ohoro Forest in the state.

He added that five suspects were arrested in connection to the killing of the officers.

This makes it 13 suspects now in the police custody.

Giving an update on the case in a statement on Saturday, Adejobi said the suspects are currently in custody, assisting with the ongoing investigation.

He attributed the arrest to intensive investigative efforts by the operatives.

“The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this reprehensible act, and many alike, are brought to justice swiftly and decisively.

“The Nigeria Police is deeply saddened by the heinous act of violence against our officers who were diligently performing their duty to protect and serve the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen officers during this difficult time,” he said.

Adejobi added that all involved in the killing of the officers would be brought to book.

“We wish to reiterate that killers of our officers in this extant case, and many others, have murdered peace, and none of them will go unpunished,” he vowed.