Four soldiers have been relieved of their duties after being involved in the tragic killing of a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer in Bida Council area of Niger State.
As detailed by Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun, the incident unfolded on March 9 when a team of NDLEA officers was conducting a routine stop and search at Ramat Dangana Junction.
“During this operation, two individuals, later identified as soldiers but not in uniform, were stopped by the NDLEA team while riding a motorcycle. “
“When asked to provide proper identification, the soldiers were unable to do so. Subsequent scrutiny of their belongings yielded no incriminating evidence.”
Tensions escalated during the encounter, leading to the soldiers departing the scene. However, they returned with reinforcements, resulting in a confrontation with the NDLEA officers.
“Tragically, during the ensuing altercation, one of the suspects fatally stabbed NDLEA officer Kingsley Chimetalo in the back with a Jack-knife and seized his rifle.”
“The wounded officer was rushed to F.M.C Bida, where, regrettably, he was pronounced dead.”
Following diligent police investigations, conducted in collaboration with the 18 Brigade of the Nigeria Army in Bida, six soldiers involved in the incident were identified, subjected to court-martial proceedings, and subsequently dismissed from service. Two additional suspects managed to evade capture.
“The four implicated individuals, identified as Sani Munzani (24, from Kano State), Abubakar Auwalu (26, from Kano State), Abubakar Sani (23, from Kebbi State), and Muazu Hassan (22, from Edo State), were apprehended and handed over to the police on May 20, 2024, to facilitate prosecution. Notably, Sani Munzani admitted to the fatal stabbing of the deceased officer.”
“All the suspects are presently under investigation at SCID Minna and will face charges in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, as confirmed by Abiodun.”
