Two personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) were shot and injured in the Sabon Iddo area of Abuja on Friday night after being mistaken for armed robbers by a civilian gunman now identified as “Pastor Darlington,” who is currently on the run.
The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. while the officers, Oyomide Zion and Hakeem Mashood, were carrying out routine movement in the area. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who reported the incident via a post on X (formerly Twitter), the shooting happened in a case of mistaken identity.
At approximately 11:40 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer of Iddo Division received a distress call and dispatched a patrol team to the scene. Upon arrival, a third immigration officer, Uduk James, informed the police that his colleagues had been shot.
The injured officers were quickly evacuated to the Nigerian Air Force Base Hospital in Abuja, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect allegedly believed the officers were criminals and opened fire before fleeing. The police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, urging the public to report any useful information that could lead to his arrest.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.