Kogi Barracks Shooting: Rights Group Calls for Mental Health Screening, Tighter Gun Controls
Oru Leonard
The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development (CENTRESGD) has called for mandatory mental health screening, stricter firearm control measures and improved workplace safety in the Nigeria Police Force following the deaths of two police officers in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
The organisation made the call following a shooting incident at ASCO Camp in Ajaokuta on Friday night, October 23, 2026, in which Corporal Amos Yusuf and Woman Corporal Grace Onimisi lost their lives.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, and signed by its Executive Director, Theresa Chigozirim Odinkalu-Okoro, the organisation expressed sadness over the incident and urged relevant authorities to address potential gaps in personnel welfare, firearm management and workplace protection within the security sector.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, preliminary findings indicated that Corporal Yusuf, who was on night duty, shot Woman Corporal Onimisi before shooting himself.
Both officers were confirmed dead by medical personnel, while an AK-47 rifle and four expended cartridges were recovered at the scene.
CENTRESGD extended its condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased officers, particularly the family of Woman Corporal Onimisi, who died while serving the nation.
The organisation also expressed sympathy with the family of Corporal Yusuf, noting that both families were facing a painful loss.
It acknowledged the commencement of an investigation by the Kogi State Police Command and the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
While cautioning against speculation about the motive behind the incident, the group stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
It maintained that the incident should serve as a warning about the importance of strengthening personnel welfare, firearm accountability and workplace safety in security institutions.
Calls for Mental Health Support, Firearm Accountability
As part of measures to prevent similar incidents, CENTRESGD called on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Police Service Commission (PSC) and other relevant stakeholders to implement reforms addressing the concerns raised by the tragedy.
The organisation urged the police authorities and the SCID to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, including examining how the firearm involved in the incident was issued and accessed.
It also called for the findings to be communicated to the bereaved families and the public.
On officers’ welfare, CENTRESGD advocated mandatory routine psychological assessments, stress management programmes and confidential psychosocial support for serving police personnel.
It said particular attention should be given to officers performing armed night duties and other assignments associated with high levels of stress.
The group further called for stricter enforcement of firearm allocation, storage, issuance and accountability procedures to ensure that weapons are handled in accordance with established safety standards.
It emphasised the need for appropriate safeguards against unsupervised access to lethal weapons where there are identified concerns requiring intervention.
CENTRESGD also called for stronger workplace safety and gender-protection policies across security agencies, with particular emphasis on creating safe and respectful working environments for female officers.
According to the organisation, security institutions should establish accessible and confidential reporting channels through which personnel can report intimidation, harassment or personal threats without fear.
It said such measures would strengthen institutional accountability and help protect officers from workplace risks.
The organisation also urged the Nigeria Police Force to provide welfare assistance, counselling and prompt processing of outstanding entitlements for the families of both deceased officers.
CENTRESGD said the Ajaokuta incident should not be treated merely as an isolated tragedy but as an opportunity for security agencies to review existing welfare systems, firearm-control procedures and workplace protection mechanisms.
The organisation expressed hope that a thorough investigation, combined with practical institutional reforms, would help prevent similar incidents and strengthen confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
