Tragedy in Niger: Police Inspector on Special Duty Takes Own Life, Sparks Probe

A pall of grief has enveloped the Nigeria Police Force following the shocking suicide of an officer on special duty in Niger State.

Inspector Bassey Asuquo, a dedicated officer attached to the 28 Police Mobile Force (PMF) based in Umuahia, Abia State, tragically ended his life while on special assignment in Sarkin-Pawa, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

Credible sources revealed to SaharaReporters that the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, around 1:50 a.m., sending shockwaves through the security community in the area.

Inspector Asuquo, deployed to the troubled region to support security operations, had reportedly begun exhibiting unusual behaviour days prior to the incident. Concerned about his mental well-being, his Unit Commander took a precautionary step by ordering that his rifle be withdrawn and secured in the Sarkin-Pawa Police Division’s armoury.

However, in a tragic twist, the officer reportedly gained unauthorized access to another colleague’s rifle. In a moment of despair, he used the weapon to fatally shoot himself in the head.

His lifeless body was later deposited at the General Hospital in Sarkin-Pawa.

When contacted for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer for Niger State Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, verified the incident and assured the public that a full investigation is underway.

“Confirmed. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident,” DSP Abiodun told SaharaReporters.

The tragic death has raised fresh concerns about mental health support for security personnel deployed to volatile regions. As questions continue to swirl over what may have driven the officer to take his own life, stakeholders are urging the Nigeria Police Force to prioritize the psychological well-being of officers, especially those working in high-pressure environments.

This incident marks yet another grim reminder of the unseen battles faced by law enforcement officers across the country, many of whom work under extreme stress, often without adequate mental health support.