A member of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps was accidentally shot dead shortly after participating in a joint operation that rescued 66 kidnapping victims in the state.
The operation, led by the Nigerian military, took place on Monday in Tidibali forest in the eastern part of Sokoto state.
Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, who confirmed this to Daily Trust, said the officer died due to accidental discharge.
“The incident occurred shortly after the team returned to their base after the operation,” Usman said.
“He was handling his gun when it accidentally went off, fatally wounding him. He died shortly after.”
Usman highlighted the progress made in the ongoing operation, which is funded by the state government to combat banditry.
“So far, 66 kidnapped victims have been rescued and several bandits have been eliminated during the operation,” he said.
“The mission continues as we aim to rid the state of criminal elements, especially bandits.”
The rescued victims were taken to Isa town in Isa local government area.