The deaths of two police officers in a shooting at a police camp in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, have prompted calls for mandatory psychological assessments, stricter firearm controls and stronger workplace protection for female officers.
The African Centre for Security, Governance and Development, CENTRESGD made the demands following the deaths of Corporal Amos Yusuf and Woman Corporal Grace Onimisi at ASCO Camp on Friday night, October 23, 2026.
According to the Kogi State Police Command, preliminary findings indicate that Yusuf, who was on night duty, shot 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.
The organisation expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of both officers, particularly Onimisi’s family, and urged the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It acknowledged the police command’s decision to launch an investigation and transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, stressing that the motive had not been established and warning against speculation.
However, CENTRESGD said the incident should prompt a wider review of personnel welfare, firearm management and workplace safety within the Nigeria Police Force.
It called on the police, the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Police Service Commission and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, including determining how the firearm was issued and accessed.
The group also urged the police and the commission to introduce routine psychological assessments, stress management programmes and confidential psychosocial support for serving officers, particularly those assigned to armed night shifts and other high-stress duties.
It said firearm allocation, armoury access and weapons-handling procedures should be reviewed and strictly enforced to reduce the risk of lethal weapons being accessed without appropriate safeguards.
On the protection of female officers, CENTRESGD called for stronger gender-sensitive workplace policies and confidential reporting channels that would allow personnel to report intimidation, harassment and personal threats without fear.
The organisation further urged the police to provide counselling and welfare assistance to both families and ensure the prompt processing of their entitlements.
It said the Ajaokuta incident should serve as a warning about the need to strengthen safeguards within security institutions rather than be treated as an isolated tragedy.