ASABA, NIGERIA – Dramatic footage surfacing from Asaba, Delta State, shows civilians fleeing in panic as armed security officers were seen running through a busy market plaza on Friday, May 1, 2026.
The video, which began circulating around 12:05 PM (WAT), captures a scene of intense confusion. Armed officers, rifles in hand, are seen moving at high speed along a major road lined with shops. The footage shows bystanders pointing and shouting, with many scattering into nearby buildings to avoid the commotion.
The incident occurs at a time of heightened tension between the public and the Delta State Police Command. The force is currently navigating a period of intense scrutiny following recent viral allegations involving extrajudicial killings in the state, widespread reports of extortion at checkpoints, and ongoing internal disciplinary reviews of several officers.
As of Saturday afternoon, there has been no official statement from the Delta State Police Public Relations Office explaining the nature of the operation. The lack of immediate clarity has fueled speculation on social media, with residents questioning why such a high-intensity move was conducted in a crowded civilian hub without prior warning. Security operations should bring a sense of safety, not cause a stampede, according to one witness at the scene.
While the market area has since returned to a state of uneasy calm, the footage continues to trend, highlighting the fragile relationship between security agencies and the communities they serve. Authorities are expected to provide a situational report to address the growing public concern and restore confidence.
