Policeman ‘accidentally’ shoots immigration officer in Niger state

Christian Oladimeji, an assistant superintendent of immigration (ASI), was “accidentally” shot by a police officer in Minna, Niger state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the incident occurred around 12:30pm on February 21, after suspected hoodlums attacked a police patrol team recovering stolen materials.

According to the report, a surveillance patrol team from the ‘A’ division police command in Minna, led by Ibrahim Paiko, was on routine patrol near Obasanjo complex when they encountered a group of road construction workers carrying iron rods suspected to have been stolen.

Upon sighting the officers, the workers, who were about seven in number, abandoned the materials and fled.

“As the officers attempted to recover the abandoned iron rods, they were suddenly attacked by other road construction workers and hoodlums, who threw stones and other objects at them,” the report reads.

“The assault also damaged the Dangote patrol vehicle used by the police.”

Makama reported that in an attempt to prevent the officers from being overrun, Ibrahim Audu fired a shot, which accidentally struck Oladimeji, who was riding on a motorcycle.

“The bullet hit Oladimeji on the lap, causing her to fall from the motorcycle and sustain additional injuries,” the report added.

Makama said the officer was rushed to the IBB specialist hospital in Minna, where medical personnel confirmed that although no bullet fragments remained in her body, she suffered a waist fracture.

“She is currently receiving medical attention, and doctors have assured that she is in stable condition,” Makama stated.

The publication noted that several suspects have been arrested for questioning, while disciplinary measures have been initiated against the officers involved.

Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents to remain calm as security agencies work to maintain law and order in the state.

“We are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, and necessary actions will be taken,” a security source was quoted as saying.