KOGI BARRACKS SHOOTING: RIGHTS GROUP DEMANDS MENTAL HEALTH CHECKS, TIGHTER GUN CONTROLS

KOGI BARRACKS SHOOTING: RIGHTS GROUP DEMANDS MENTAL HEALTH CHECKS, TIGHTER GUN CONTROLS 

By Jennifer Nwosu 

The deaths of two police officers in a shooting at a police camp in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, have prompted renewed calls for stricter firearm controls, routine mental health assessments and stronger workplace protection for women serving in the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director of the African Centre for Security, Governance and Development (CENTRESGD), Theresa Chigozirim Odinkalu-Okoro, the organization described the October 23 incident at ASCO Camp as a warning about potential gaps in personnel welfare, weapons management and workplace safety within the security sector.

According to the Kogi State Police Command, preliminary findings indicate that Corporal Amos Yusuf, who was on night duty, shot Woman Corporal Grace Onimisi before shooting himself. Both officers were pronounced dead by medical personnel. An AK-47 rifle and four spent cartridges were recovered at the scene.

CENTRESGD extended its' condolences to both families, with particular sympathy for the family of Onimisi, who died while serving the country. It also acknowledged the police command's decision to launch an investigation and transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

The organization cautioned against speculation over the motive, which has yet to be established, but said the circumstances demanded a broader examination of the safeguards governing armed police personnel.

It called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Police Service Commission to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, including an examination of how the rifle was issued and accessed. It also urged authorities to communicate the findings to the bereaved families and the public.

CENTRESGD further advocated routine psychological assessments, stress management programmes and confidential psychosocial support for serving officers, particularly those assigned to armed night shifts and other high-pressure duties.

It said firearm issuance, armoury access and weapons accountability procedures should be reviewed and strictly enforced to reduce the risk of lethal incidents involving officers experiencing emotional distress.

The organization also called for stronger gender-sensitive workplace safeguards and confidential reporting channels to protect women officers from intimidation, harassment and personal threats. It stressed that officers should be able to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation.

Beyond institutional reforms, CENTRESGD urged the police to provide counselling and welfare assistance to the families of both officers and ensure the prompt processing of their entitlements.

The organization said the Ajaokuta shooting should not be treated as an isolated incident, arguing that its' implications extend to police welfare, operational accountability and the protection of personnel within the security services.