By Juliana Francis
Another Police officer has succumbed to the deadly cold grip of suicide. This time, it is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, AP/NO.170801, Hanis Godiya.
According to reports gathered by Securitynewsalert, on July 12, 2027, at approximately 12:51 PM, ASP Hanis Godiya—attached to the Provost Office—approached the Commandant’s Counter, where he met AP/NO.213224 Inspector Philip Dakuru (CRO), was on duty. He reportedly snatched the AK-47 rifle slung over Inspector Dakuru’s shoulder, rushed into one of the offices, and fatally shot himself through the mouth, causing catastrophic brain damage.
He was immediately rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His body has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy. Inspector Dakuru has been detained for further questioning.
Details of the Deceased:
- AP/NO: 170801
- Name: Hanis Godiya
- Rank: ASP II
- State of Origin: Adamawa
- LGA: Guyuk
- Date of Birth: 01/08/1977
- Date of Enlistment: 01/03/2000
- Promoted: 01/06/2023
- IPPIS No.: PF-0060553
- Pension PIN: PEN20002154513
- Pay Point: MSS Makurdi
The case is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bauchi, for discreet investigation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Gbolahan Olugbemi Mohammed, took his own life on April 1st, 2024, at his private residence in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
The DCP worked as an adviser to former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and was recommended for commendation for the effective and professional way he handled the #ENDSARS protests in 2020.
He served as Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ilupeju, Area Commander in Ajah, and was Personal Assistant to two former Commissioners of Police in Lagos State. His life and career appeared to be blooming when his death occurred.
Nobody knew for how long he had been battling depression before he bowed to the monster and took his own life.
Mr Gbolahan Olugbemi Mohammed and ASP Hanis Godiya are not alone on the list of those who succumbed to suicide in the Nigeria Police Force.
Officers frequently face traumatic events, yet mental health services are scarce. Cultural and institutional norms discourage vulnerability, making it hard for officers to access support.
Section 327 of Nigeria’s Criminal Code punishes attempted suicide, deterring officers from seeking help. Many officers live in unsafe, unsanitary housing without basic utilities.
Lack of modern tools and protective gear adds to stress and danger. Long hours, irregular shifts, and constant exposure to violence erode mental resilience.
Some officers receive drastically reduced pay, with unexplained deductions. Transfers without accommodation force officers to live apart from their families, increasing isolation.
Financial instability is compounded by poor access to credit or emergency funds. Easy access to weapons makes impulsive decisions more lethal, especially during emotional crises.
Officers posted far from home often go months or years without seeing loved ones. Unlike other countries, Nigeria lacks structured wellness programs within the force. Mental health screenings are rare or inconsistently applied.
Supervisors often lack training to recognise or respond to mental health red flags.
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The alarming rise in suicides among Nigerian police personnel has prompted experts and advocates to call for urgent, multi-layered reforms.
Establish dedicated mental health units within police commands to provide counselling and crisis intervention.
There should be mandatory psychological evaluations during recruitment, promotions, and after traumatic incidents. Peer support programmes to foster trust and reduce stigma around seeking help.
Decriminalise attempted suicide by repealing Section 327 of the Criminal Code, which currently punishes survivors with imprisonment. Create a National Police Suicide Registry to track cases, identify patterns, and inform policy decisions.
Upgrade police barracks to meet basic standards of safety, sanitation, and comfort, ensure timely and fair compensation, including hazard allowances and pension benefits and provide housing support for officers transferred to distant locations to reduce isolation.
Trauma-informed leadership training for senior officers to recognise and respond to mental health red flags and mental health literacy workshops for all ranks to normalise conversations around emotional well-being.
There should be an introduction to stricter protocols for firearm access, especially for off-duty officers or those flagged for emotional distress.
Most importantly, collaborate with NGOs and mental health organisations to deliver psychosocial interventions and wellness programmes/
