A police inspector is battling severe facial injuries after he was allegedly shot at close range by a fellow officer following a violent altercation at the Iju Police Division in Lagos State.
The incident, which occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, has sparked fresh concerns over discipline, firearm handling and internal conflict within the Nigeria Police Force.
ChroniclesReporters gathered that the victim, Inspector Aminu Nuhu, had just completed his night station guard duty and was handing over to Police Constable Lateef Afeez, who had resumed for the morning shift, when a disagreement broke out between the two officers.
According to an internal police signal first obtained by SaharaReporters, the argument escalated after Inspector Nuhu allegedly threw stones at the constable during the confrontation.
The situation took a tragic turn when Constable Afeez allegedly retaliated by firing the riot gun issued to him for guard duty directly at the inspector’s face from close range.
The blast left Inspector Nuhu with devastating injuries to his mouth and right cheek. He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Ifako, for emergency treatment before doctors referred him to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, due to the severity of his condition.
Police authorities swiftly arrested and disarmed Constable Afeez, who is currently being held in custody pending further investigation.
The case is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, after preliminary inquiries for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
An internal police signal detailing the incident stated: “Today, 12/07/26, at about 0900 hours, Inspector Aminu Nuhu, serving at this command, who had just completed night station guard duty, had an altercation with Force No. 557536, Police Constable Lateef Afeez, also serving at this command and posted for morning station guard duty.
“The altercation led to the Inspector stoning the Constable. Subsequently, the Constable retaliated by firing the riot gun he had booked for duty directly at the Inspector’s face at close range.
“As a result of the shooting, the Inspector sustained grievous injuries to his mouth and right cheek region. He was immediately rushed to General Hospital, Ifako, for medical treatment and was later referred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, for further medical attention.
“The Constable has been arrested, disarmed and is currently in proper detention. Following preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for discreet investigation. Further developments will be communicated.”
The shocking incident has renewed calls for stricter psychological evaluation of armed personnel, improved conflict management within the police hierarchy and tighter supervision of officers entrusted with firearms while on duty.