Security personnel accidentally shoots himself dead after rescueing 66 kidnap victims from gunmen 

Security personnel accidentally shoots himself dead after rescueing 66 kidnap victims from gunmen

A member of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps tragically lost his life in an accidental shooting shortly after participating in a successful operation that rescued 66 kidnap victims in the state.

The operation, which took place on Monday, was led by the Nigerian Army in the Tidibali Forest, located in the eastern part of Sokoto. The mission, aimed at dismantling a criminal syndicate, successfully freed the hostages held by kidnappers in the region.

Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust on Wednesday, revealing that the operative, whose identity has not been disclosed, died from an accidental discharge of his firearm following the operation.

“It was a sad and unfortunate incident,” Colonel Usman stated, noting that the operative’s death occurred after the mission had concluded successfully.

“The death was due to an accidental discharge,” he added.

The tragic event comes on the heels of a significant victory in the fight against criminal elements in the state, underscoring the risks faced by security personnel even after successful operations.

“The incident happened shortly after they had returned to their base from the operation.

“He was with his gun when it mistakingly fired and shot him. He died shortly afterward,” he said.

Usman stated that the ongoing operation, funded by the state government, has yielded significant successes in the effort to eliminate bandits from the region.

“So far 66 kidnap victims have been rescued and several bandits killed during the operation.

“The operation is a continuous one because we want to rid the state of criminal elements, particularly bandits,” he said.