- His remains were later released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites
A police officer in Niger State, ASP Shafi’u Usman Bawa, has died by suicide in Kontagora town, authorities have confirmed.
According to a police signal obtained by SaharaReporters, the officer was found hanging from the ceiling on Saturday afternoon. His father, Usman Bawa, a resident of the Rigasa area in Kontagora, reported the incident to the authorities.
Police officers who responded to the scene took Bawa’s body to the General Hospital in Kontagora, where a doctor officially confirmed his death. His remains were later released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
A police message detailing the incident read: “Today being Saturday, 08/02/25, at about 14:10 hours, one Mr. Usman Bawa ‘M’ of Rigasa area in Kontagora reported that his son, AP/No 337979, ASP Shafi’u Usman Bawa, committed suicide by hanging himself on the ceiling. The lifeless body was removed to the General Hospital, Kontagora, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. The corpse was released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites. Further developments will be communicated.”
The reason behind the officer’s actions remains unclear, but police authorities say an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.
Suicide among security personnel in Nigeria has raised concerns in recent years, with experts pointing to high levels of stress, mental health challenges, and work-related pressures as possible factors.
While discussions around mental health awareness are increasing, there is still a stigma associated with seeking psychological support within security agencies.
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