The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the tragic killing of retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Kingsley Woke, who was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen along the Port Harcourt Road in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.
According to police authorities, the 56-year-old former senior officer was attacked on the night of December 7, 2025, at approximately 11:00 p.m., while travelling from Port Harcourt to Umuahia. The ambush occurred near the Amala Autonomous Community, shortly after the Zion Ministry Church, where armed assailants opened fire on his vehicle, striking him in the chest.
DCP Woke, who reportedly hailed from Omuowu in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State, had recently retired after serving as the Deputy Commandant of Courses at the Police Staff College in Jos. Police disclosed that his personal effects were retrieved from the scene and secured at a nearby station before being handed over to his sister, Mrs. Hope, who formally identified the remains and confirmed his death.
Intensified Security Operations
Security sources revealed that the attack may have involved a group of armed criminals responsible for additional abductions occurring around the same time. According to field reports, tactical units of the Imo State Police Command have teamed up with the military, local vigilante groups, and community hunters to comb the surrounding forests and communities in search of the perpetrators.
The joint forces have reportedly expanded surveillance and patrol efforts along the Ngor Okpala corridor, an area that has witnessed periodic attacks by criminal elements in recent months. Authorities noted that several victims were believed to have been kidnapped during the incident that claimed Woke’s life, prompting an urgent multi-agency effort to locate and rescue them.
Police Assure Public of Swift Justice
In a statement, the police command emphasized that no effort would be spared in identifying and apprehending those behind the killing. Officials urged residents to remain calm and continue cooperating with security operatives by providing timely information that could aid ongoing investigations.
The death of DCP Woke has drawn widespread shock, particularly among law-enforcement circles, where he was described as a disciplined, soft-spoken officer known for his dedication to training and professional development during his years of service.
As the manhunt continues, the Imo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to restoring safety along the Port Harcourt–Umuahia route and ensuring that the culprits face justice.
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