2 hours ago
2 ARTICLE AD
In Nigeria, the tragic consequences of ‘accidental’ firearm discharges often reveal the deadly impact of carelessness among security personnel. While these incidents may sometimes absolve officers of criminal intent, they raise serious concerns about professionalism and safety standards within the country’s law enforcement and military agencies, GODFREY GEORGE reports
The dramatic rescue of 66 kidnap victims from the grip of ruthless bandits in Sokoto’s Tidibali forest should have been a triumphant moment of heroism and celebration. Yet, the victory was painfully overshadowed by grief and tragedy.
Among the brave operatives involved in the rescue was a dedicated member of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps—an unsung hero who had risked everything for the safety of his people, only for fate to deal a cruel, irreversible blow.
As the exhausted team returned to base, the echoes of relief lingered—until a single, devastating shot shattered the calm.
In a harrowing twist, the guard’s firearm discharged accidentally, fatally wounding him.
The fact that the shot didn’t ring out in the chaos of battle but within the supposed safety of their base made the incident more devastating and a haunting reminder of how a moment of carelessness, compounded by inadequate training, can turn triumph into unbearable loss.
The Sokoto State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmed Usman (retd.), confirmed the heartbreaking incident, stating, “The incident happened shortly after they returned to their base from the operation. He was handling his gun when it accidentally discharged and shot him. Unfortunately, he died shortly afterwards.”
The shockwaves of this tragedy rippled far beyond the barracks. The fallen operative was not just a name on a roster—he was someone’s son, perhaps a father or brother.
His life, defined by courage and selflessness, was tragically cut short—not by an enemy’s bullet, but by a weapon meant to defend and protect.
But the grief in Sokoto was not an isolated nightmare. Days later, in Ado Ekiti, a life filled with promise met the same cruel fate under eerily similar circumstances.
Ifeoluwa Adekalu, a vibrant young woman with dreams and ambition, had just finished paying her rent and was walking past the Okela Police Station on what should have been an ordinary, uneventful day.
Inside the station, however, a police officer, caught in the excitement of a colleague’s promotion, ‘mishandled’ his firearm.
In that fleeting moment of celebratory carelessness, the officer’s gun discharged with a deafening crack, sending a bullet tearing through the air—striking Ifeoluwa.
That single, gut-wrenching shot stole a life, silencing a future brimming with promise.
She crumpled to the ground, her vibrant life slipping away as horrified bystanders scrambled in vain to save her.
In a twinkle of an eye, a community was left shattered by yet another preventable tragedy.
Eyewitnesses, their voices trembling with disbelief and sorrow, painted a picture of chaos and heartbreak.
“She was just passing by. She didn’t deserve this,” one source lamented. Another recalled how Ifeoluwa had been rushed to a nearby hospital, where desperate efforts to save her proved futile.
Her dreams, her plans, her life—all ended in a split second, leaving her family and friends grappling with unimaginable grief.
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Adewale Adeniran, acknowledged the incident with measured words: “The officer in question has been disarmed and detained. He will face interrogations in line with the Nigeria Police Act.” But these assurances of accountability do little to ease the pain of a family robbed of a daughter and a community mourning one of its own.
A mother silenced
The family of the late Ifeoluwa drowned in grief. Her untimely death, caused by a stray bullet fired by a trigger-happy officer, left them grappling with anguish and unanswered questions.
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Abayomi Adekalu, her father, painted a harrowing picture of the silence surrounding the incident:
He said, “Since that terrible day, we have been kept in the dark. No clear answers, no accountability—just the deafening silence that deepens our sorrow.”
Ifeoluwa’s death has become a rallying cry, sparking outrage across Ekiti State. Among those demanding justice is the Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Youth Congress.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Temitope Adedara, and Secretary, Temitope Oluwadamilola, the group condemned the killing, vowing to ensure the officer responsible faced the full weight of the law.
A life of promise cut short
To those who knew Ifeoluwa, she was more than just a name in the headlines. She was a doting mother, a hardworking employee, and a young woman determined to build a better life for herself and her child despite life’s challenges.
Her death left an unfillable void—not just for her family but for a baby now robbed of its mother’s warmth, care, and love.
The NYC expressed its condolences to the family, praying for strength in this moment of despair.
Yet its statement did not hold back in condemning the negligence that led to Ifeoluwa’s death.
The family and community’s pain has been compounded by the lack of swift action.
The absence of accountability has become a familiar refrain in such tragedies, leaving families to wade through grief alone, their cries for justice met with cold indifference.
“What happened to Ifeoluwa is not just a tragic accident—it is a violation of that sacred duty,” the group declared.
A community’s collective grief
For Ifeoluwa’s family, no justice can bring her back. No court ruling can restore the laughter that once filled their home or the dreams she nurtured for herself and her child.
But they are resolute in their demand for accountability—not just for themselves but for every family that has endured similar pain.
As the family and community mourn, one thing remains clear: Ifeoluwa’s death must not become another statistics in a long list of lives lost to negligence and recklessness.
Her story is a stark reminder of the human cost of systemic failures—a call to action for a society that cannot afford to turn a blind eye to such tragedies.
For now, the Adekalu family clings to the hope that justice will be served, that their cries will not fade into silence.
Behind every bullet fired in error lies a life, a story, and a family left to pick up the pieces.
Tragedy in Ebonyi
In the dusty streets of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, a routine patrol took a tragic turn, leaving one man lifeless and three others injured in a heart-wrenching tale of misfortune and error.
What began as a standard security check in November 2024, spiralled into chaos, culminating in an alleged accidental discharge that has left a community reeling and a family shattered by grief.
The incident unfolded on the old Enugu-Abakaliki road, near the bustling Ugwuachara area.
Police officers from the Ebonyi State Command, responding to rising cases of motorcycle theft, flagged down a motorcyclist to verify his credentials.
The man, claiming to be a soldier, failed to produce any form of identification.
What should have been a routine inquiry escalated when the man resisted arrest, grappling with one of the officer’s rifles.
In the heat of the struggle, a bullet was unleashed—a solitary shot that shattered the fragile peace of the moment.
The bullet struck an innocent bystander, ending his life in an instant. Three others, caught in the chaos, were left injured, their cries of pain piercing the heavy air.
Ebonyi State Police Commissioner, Mrs Adaku Uche-Anya, confirmed the incident.
“The victim was shot dead when a bullet went off from an officer’s gun during a struggle between the police and a motorcyclist claiming to be a soldier,” she explained.
“This is not what we stand for. This is not what we are here to do,” she added.
Lives shattered
The family of the deceased now bears the unbearable weight of loss. A father, a brother, a son—his absence leaves a void that can never be filled.
The injured, too, must grapple with both physical pain and the psychological scars of a day they will never forget.
Witnesses recount the incident with a mixture of anger and sorrow.
“It all happened so fast,” one said. “One moment, it was an argument, and the next, we heard the gunshot. People were screaming. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
The Commissioner assured the public of a thorough investigation, pledging that all parties involved would face the full weight of the law if found culpable.
“Both the police officer and the motorcyclist are in custody as the Command works to piece together the events that led to the tragedy,” she noted.
Governor’s sister shot ‘in error’
In a harrowing reminder of the indiscriminate nature of these tragedies, the younger sister of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has succumbed to injuries sustained in yet another case of police accidental discharge.
At 44, Atsi had a full life ahead. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, she became another casualty of the pervasive menace that knows no social or economic boundaries.
The incident occurred during what should have been a routine journey.
Atsi was seated beside her mother, Jummai Kefas, in a convoy travelling through Taraba State. Suddenly, the threat of gunmen loomed, and in the ensuing panic, a police escort, attempting to defend the vehicle, discharged his weapon, and the bullet intended for the attackers, struck Atsi.
The shot changed everything in an instant. Gravely injured, she was rushed to the Teaching Hospital in Wukari before being flown to Abuja for specialised treatment.
For days, her family and well-wishers clung to hope, praying for a miracle that never came.
She passed away in the quiet confines of an undisclosed hospital, leaving behind grieving loved ones and a state reeling from the loss.
For Governor Kefas and his family, the tragedy cuts deeper than most.
It is not just the loss of a loved one but a brutal confrontation with the failures of a system meant to protect.
Even the privileged are not spared
The circumstances of Atsi’s death lay bare an unsettling truth: in Nigeria, no one is immune to the consequences of systemic negligence and unprofessionalism among security forces.
For decades, accidental discharges have been a grim constant in the national narrative, claiming the lives of ordinary citizens and high-profile individuals alike.
It is a bitter irony that those tasked with safeguarding lives can, in moments of error, become the agents of death.
Whether through insufficient training, poor equipment handling, or panic in high-pressure situations, these tragedies are stark reminders of a system in dire need of reform, experts have noted.
The killing of Emmanuel Dickson
In the serene town of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, the peace of a Sunday evening was shattered by a heart-wrenching tragedy.
Emmanuel Dickson, just 26 years old, met an untimely death at the hands of those sworn to protect him.
His family’s world crumbled in an instant, their pain compounded by the cold excuse offered by the police: “It was an accidental discharge.”
The events unfolded with chilling simplicity. Emmanuel, affectionately called Emma by his loved ones, was returning from a mourning house in his village.
It was a sombre occasion, one that mirrored the impending grief his family could never have anticipated.
As he approached the family compound, a police vehicle arrived, and the officers began shouting at him.
Startled, Emmanuel ran towards his aunt’s house. But instead of defusing the situation, the officers pursued him with fatal intent.
“They shot my brother,” Nelly Dickson, Emmanuel’s sister, said, her voice heavy with sorrow. “Now they are telling me it was an accidental discharge, that they did not know the gun was not safe.”
A senseless loss
For the Dickson family, the pain of Emmanuel’s death was magnified by its utter senselessness.
There were no accusations, no crime, no investigation—just a young man, unarmed, running in fear.
Nelly’s voice quivered as she recounted the moments after the shooting.
“They left the scene immediately but later came back to carry his corpse. They didn’t even allow us to mourn him properly. They stole him from us twice—first his life, and then his dignity.”
The officer identified as responsible for the shooting, Sergeant Anwana Jacob, has yet to face justice. The family, alongside the Ekid Youths Union, has demanded answers.
The youth group’s president, Ekemini David, spoke passionately about the incident:
“We want the killer of that boy to be brought to justice. We demand that the family be allowed to see their son’s corpse.”
A family torn apart
Jummai, Emmanuel’s mother, now spends her days in quiet despair. The joy her son brought into the family is now replaced by unbearable silence.
“Emma was my hope, my pride,” she said through tears. “How do I live knowing he was taken from me for no reason? How do I forgive this?”
Yoruba nation protest tragedy
In the heart of Lagos, amidst the daily ebb and flow of life, a young woman, Jumoke Oyeleke, harboured dreams as vibrant as the fabrics she sold.
At 25, she was the cornerstone of her family, her earnings from selling drinks and snacks sustaining her mother and siblings. Her life, though modest, was imbued with hope and an unwavering commitment to her loved ones.
On July 3, 2021, the Ojota area of Lagos became a focal point for the ‘Yoruba Nation’ rally—a convergence of individuals advocating for regional autonomy.
The atmosphere, charged with chants and the fervour of activism, soon descended into chaos as law enforcement officers attempted to disperse the crowd. Tear gas canisters hissed through the air, and the sharp retort of gunfire echoed through the streets.
Amidst the turmoil, Jumoke sought refuge in the shop where she worked, hoping the metal shutters would shield her from the unfolding mayhem.
Tragically, a bullet, allegedly discharged by the police, found its mark—piercing through the thin barrier and striking her. She fell, her vibrant life extinguished in an instant, her dreams abruptly silenced.
The news of her death rippled through the community, reaching her mother, Ifeoluwa, with the cruel swiftness only tragedy can muster. Ifeoluwa, employed as a domestic worker, was inundated with calls urging her to return home.
Unaware of the specifics, she made her way back, overhearing murmurs of a shooting in Ojota. Upon arrival, the sight of gathered relatives and their solemn faces confirmed her deepest fears—her daughter, her Jumoke, was gone.
The anguish of losing a child is a torment beyond articulation, but for Ifeoluwa, the pain was compounded by the subsequent actions of the authorities.
Before she could see her daughter’s body, it had been taken away by the police. Desperate for closure, she visited the Area H Police Command in Ogudu, seeking answers—seeking her child. Her pleas were met with bureaucratic indifference; Jumoke’s body remained withheld, her death shrouded in officialdom.
In the aftermath, a coroner’s inquest was convened at the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Ogba.
There, amidst the sterile formality of legal proceedings, Ifeoluwa recounted her ordeal, her voice trembling with grief. She spoke of unanswered questions, a life unjustly taken, and a mother’s sorrow compounded by the callousness of those meant to protect.
Heartbreak, pain
Despite the inquest and the public outcry that followed, justice remained elusive. The Lagos State Government, while acknowledging the tragedy, failed to hold any officers accountable.
No compensation was offered. Jumoke’s lawyer, Mr Taiwo Olawanle of the Falana and Falana Chambers, told our correspondent on Wednesday that it was unfortunate no one had been made to pay for the crime despite the coroner’s ruling.
“Unfortunately, in this part of the world, nobody is being compensated, even though there’s provision for it in the constitution. If something like this happens, the bereaved family should be compensated,” he said.
Speaking further, Olawanle added, “The coroner recommended that the family of the deceased be compensated. But, until now, we have written to both the federal and state governments on that recommendation, yet nobody is doing or saying anything about it. That is the system we have found ourselves in.
“I believe very soon we’ll get to that level where the government will rise to the task of compensating the bereaved killed in cases of accidental discharge.”
He urged non-governmental organisations and civil society groups to mount pressure on the government to compensate victims of ‘accidental’ discharge.
In the words of her mother, Ifeoluwa:
“I want justice for my daughter. I want those responsible to be held accountable. My daughter did not deserve to die this way.”
Casualties of carelessness
In Nigeria, the tragic term “accidental discharge” has become a haunting phrase underscoring the negligence, poor training, and impunity rife within the nation’s security agencies.
This term, often a euphemism for recklessness, represents lives lost, families torn apart, and justice denied.
Despite public outcry and occasional investigations, the phenomenon persists, raising questions about accountability, law enforcement practices, and systemic negligence.
What is an ‘accidental’ discharge?
A former Director at the Department of State Services, Mr Mike Ejiofor, speaking to our correspondent on Wednesday, defined ‘accidental discharge’ as the unintentional firing of a firearm, usually due to mishandling, poor maintenance, or a lack of adequate training.
Ejiofor noted that regulations guide the use of firearms, stressing that security personnel ought to be familiar with those rules and not break them.
“There are rules which guide personnel in the use of firearms. But if anyone goes against these rules, either through negligence or by mishandling the gun, the shot fired becomes what is referred to as ‘accidental discharge’.
“Accidental discharge can also be due to drunkenness or temperament,” he added.
He stressed that before any officer is issued a firearm, they must be mentally stable and fit to handle it.
“There is an Issuance of Firearms rules in the armed forces. One of the most important rules is that one must have mental stability before arms are issued.
“Some of these service personnel do have an off temperament. This is why we need to constantly train and retrain them to avoid these cases of unprofessionalism.”
He, however, emphasised that disciplinary actions and procedures exist to deter such incidents.
Another security analyst with a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies, Dr Nnamdi Chieve, stated that many Nigerian security personnel need continual training in firearm safety and operation.
“The rigorous handling protocols required to prevent unintended firing should not be overlooked during training,” he said.
He also pointed out that negligence among security officers often stems from a culture of impunity.
“Stories abound of officers mishandling firearms while under the influence of alcohol or in emotionally charged situations, resulting in tragic outcomes.
Negligence is further compounded by inadequate supervision, making it difficult to identify and discipline errant officers effectively,” he added.
A culture of impunity
A security expert and certified golden member of the International Security Association, Switzerland, Mr Jackson Lekan Ojo, expressed deep concern about the recurring incidents of accidental discharges involving Nigeria’s security personnel.
Speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday, he highlighted the role of psychoactive substances and the need for stricter recruitment and monitoring processes within the country’s military and paramilitary agencies.
“Let’s not go back to the history of this issue,” Mr Lekan Ojo began, dismissing the claim of accidental discharge as an oversimplification of a deeper problem. “This is not about accidental discharge; it is about psychoactive substances.”
He elaborated on the influence of such substances, stating:
“The security personnel we rely on to protect us are often under the influence of psychoactive substances. These could be in liquid, solid, or gaseous forms. Once consumed, these substances alter their state of mind. They are no longer themselves. Their actions are now controlled by their altered selves, influenced by these substances. Under such an influence, they start imagining or seeing things that are not there.”
Recruitment process under scrutiny
He raised critical questions about the recruitment processes for Nigeria’s security personnel, suggesting that lapses at the point of entry contribute to the problem.
“What is the recruitment pattern of our military and paramilitary in Nigeria?” he asked. “Are proper tests conducted during recruitment? Are these individuals profiled adequately before being admitted into the system?”
He stressed the importance of conducting comprehensive tests at multiple stages:
“At the point of admitting them as officers empowered with guns and uniforms, there must be rigorous testing and profiling. This should include sanity tests, drug tests, mental evaluations, and a review of their family backgrounds. What was their behaviour like in primary and secondary schools? These factors matter.”
Random drug tests, continuous monitoring
Beyond initial recruitment, Lekan Ojo called for ongoing evaluations of security personnel to ensure they remain fit for duty.
“Even after they are in the system, random tests should be conducted. These tests should be carried out three times a year, or at least periodically. Officers should be called upon randomly to undergo these evaluations. This will ensure that those tasked with protecting lives and property are not under the influence of substances that could impair their judgment.”
Legal perspectives
In Nigeria, both the Police Act and other security agencies’ regulations, as well as the Nigerian Constitution, address matters related to accidental discharge and the consequences for officers involved in such incidents. Here’s a breakdown of the relevant provisions:
Under the Nigerian Police Act (2020), there are several provisions that outline the conduct and discipline of police officers. The punishment for accidental discharge largely depends on the specific circumstances of the incident and the degree of negligence involved.
Accidental discharge can occur due to various reasons, such as carelessness, failure to follow proper safety procedures, or misuse of firearms.
If an accidental discharge is caused by negligence or improper handling of a firearm, the officer may face disciplinary action. Punishments can range from suspension, dismissal, or demotion to criminal prosecution, depending on the severity of the incident. In extreme cases, where the discharge results in harm or death, the officer may be charged with manslaughter or reckless endangerment under criminal law.
Similar regulations apply to other security agencies, such as the Civil Defence Act, the Nigerian Army Act, and the DSS Act, all of which govern the conduct of officers in those agencies. Like the Police Act, these laws specify that officers who engage in negligent acts, including accidental discharge, may face disciplinary measures, which can involve suspension, dismissal, or prosecution under criminal law.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Constitution (specifically, in Chapter 4 on Fundamental Rights) does not directly stipulate punishments for accidental discharge by security officers. However, it provides for the protection of citizens’ rights to life, security, and personal safety. Therefore, if an accidental discharge results in harm to individuals, the officer involved may be held accountable under criminal law for violating these constitutional rights.
However, a legal practitioner based in Abuja, Mr Hussaini Hussaini, told our correspondent on Wednesday that Section 33(1) of the Constitution guarantees the right to life, and any officer who causes death through negligent or reckless behaviour (including accidental discharge) could face criminal prosecution under relevant criminal laws, such as Section 224 of the Penal Code or Section 215 of the Criminal Code Act, which cover manslaughter, assault, or reckless endangerment.
He said, “If an officer’s actions are deemed grossly negligent, they could be charged with negligent homicide or face civil suits for compensation. Also, if the discharge was deemed reckless, leading to death or injury, the officer might be charged with manslaughter or reckless conduct under the Criminal Code.”
Additionally, he said, agencies like the Police Service Commission were empowered to investigate and discipline officers for breaches of conduct.
For every life lost, a family is left to pick up the pieces in a system that often turns a blind eye to their plight. It is high time for Nigeria to break this cycle of carelessness and ensure that no family has to suffer the preventable loss of a loved one due to systemic negligence.
