A tragic accident has rocked the Anambra State Police Command following the death of one of its officers, Inspector Amaechi Okolie, who was accidentally shot by his 10-year-old son while on duty in Awka, the state capital.
The shocking incident, which occurred at about 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, 2025, has not only left a family in mourning but has also sparked conversations around the safe handling and storage of firearms by security operatives in Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, the fatal shooting happened while Inspector Okolie was stationed at a commercial bank along Zik Avenue by Okeke Street in Awka.
The officer was said to be on official duty at the bank’s premises when his children visited him that night. In what the police have described as a case of accidental discharge, the 10-year-old son of the inspector picked up the AK-47 rifle assigned to his father and unknowingly pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Inspector Okolie fatally in the back and also injured his six-year-old brother, Emmanuel.
Inspector Okolie was rushed to Amaku Specialist Teaching Hospital, Awka, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His injured son, Emmanuel, is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital and is said to be responding positively.
The police spokesperson confirmed that the AK-47 rifle has since been recovered and secured as evidence, while the incident has been reported to the Central Police Station (CPS), Awka, which has begun an official investigation.
The Police Command has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
A Grim Reminder of Weapon Safety
While the investigation is ongoing, the tragic event has cast a spotlight on broader concerns surrounding firearm safety, especially when officers are off-guard or in non-combat environments such as banks or public offices.
Security experts have long warned of the dangers of mishandling or improper storage of weapons by armed personnel. In a country like Nigeria, where uniformed officers are frequently seen carrying automatic weapons in public spaces, the risks are not just limited to trained officers but also extend to their immediate families and the general public.
This incident, in particular, has triggered a wave of reactions online and among civil society groups, many of whom are questioning the wisdom of allowing children near duty posts where firearms are in use.
Growing Concerns in the Security Sector
This is not the first time accidental discharges have made headlines in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been multiple reports of both trained officers and civilians falling victim to negligent firearm handling. In most cases, such incidents result in injury or loss of life and often go without significant policy reviews or public accountability.
The Inspector-General of Police has previously issued directives for improved weapon discipline among officers. Still, enforcement remains inconsistent across commands. Stakeholders are calling for better training, stricter guidelines, and even sanctions for carelessness involving state-issued weapons.
Public safety advocates have also urged the police hierarchy to develop clearer protocols that limit exposure of minors to arms and ammunition under any circumstance.
