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Kuje Prison Officer Dies After Allegedly Shooting at Commander
A senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO) of the Nigerian Correctional Service at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory has died following a shooting incident at the facility.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, September 7, 2026, while the officer was on duty at the custodial centre.
According to reports, the officer allegedly fired a shot at his commanding officer during the incident. However, the shot reportedly missed the commander after he moved away.
The SNCO subsequently sustained a gunshot wound, which reports indicate was self-inflicted.
He was later evacuated to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), where his remains were deposited for further action.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 9:37 a.m., although the circumstances that led to the shooting remain unclear.
Authorities have since commenced an investigation to establish what transpired before the officer allegedly opened fire on his commanding officer and subsequently died.
The development has raised concerns within the custodial service, particularly over the circumstances surrounding the use of a firearm by the officer while on duty.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not released further details on the identity of the deceased officer or disclosed a possible motive for the incident.
The Nigerian Correctional Service is expected to provide further information as investigations progress.
The latest incident comes amid continued efforts by the service to strengthen security and discipline across custodial centres nationwide.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine whether any other persons were involved in the incident.
