A Sokoto State Community Guard operative tragically lost his life due to an accidental discharge shortly after participating in a successful rescue operation that freed 66 kidnap victims.
The operation, led by the Nigerian Army and supported by local security forces, took place on Monday in the Tidibali forest, located in the eastern part of the state. The rescue mission was part of an ongoing effort to combat banditry in the region.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd.), confirmed the incident. He explained that the operative accidentally discharged his firearm shortly after returning to base from the operation.
“The incident occurred after the team had returned from the field. He was handling his gun when it accidentally fired, fatally injuring him. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly after the incident,” Usman stated.
The Special Adviser highlighted the successes recorded during the operation, which was sponsored by the Sokoto State Government. He disclosed that 66 kidnap victims had been rescued and several bandits neutralized.
“This operation is part of our broader strategy to rid Sokoto State of criminal elements, particularly bandits. It is ongoing, and we are committed to restoring peace and security across the state,” he added.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by security operatives in the line of duty, even amid significant achievements in the fight against insecurity.
