Kuje Custodial Officer Dies After Allegedly Shooting at Commander

A senior officer attached to the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja has died following a reported shooting incident involving his commanding officer.

The incident, which occurred at about 9:37 a.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, reportedly happened while officers were carrying out their routine duties within the correctional facility.

According to reports, the officer allegedly opened fire at his commanding officer during the incident.

However, the commander reportedly managed to move out of the line of fire, escaping without being hit.

The circumstances surrounding what happened afterwards remain unclear. The officer was later reportedly found with a gunshot wound which security sources believed may have been self-inflicted.

He was subsequently taken for medical attention, but unfortunately died from the injuries sustained.

The development reportedly caused shock and confusion among personnel at the custodial centre, particularly given the officer’s position and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama was reported to have confirmed the incident, noting that authorities had commenced an investigation to establish the events that led to the shooting.

Makama said the motive behind the officer’s alleged action was not immediately known, adding that investigators would have to examine the circumstances surrounding both the alleged attack on the commander and the gunshot injury that later claimed the officer’s life.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and an investigation has been launched to establish what led to the shooting,” he reportedly stated.

The deceased officer’s remains were later taken to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital for further procedures.

Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident, including the circumstances that led to the alleged shooting, the source of the firearm and what may have prompted the officer’s actions.

The incident has raised concerns within the custodial facility, as investigators work to determine the exact sequence of events and establish whether any underlying issues contributed to the tragic development.

Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.