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| Resident shot by Nigeria Immigration Service officer in Badagry, Lagos State |
BADAGRY, LAGOS STATE – A personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has been accused of shooting and injuring a woman during an early morning operation in the Gbogbele Community, Badagry West LCDA, Lagos State, sparking tension and calls for an official investigation.
The alleged shooting incident, which occurred on the morning of Friday, November 7, 2025, has left residents of the quiet community in a state of fear and uncertainty.
According to preliminary eyewitness accounts, the situation unfolded when a team of immigration officers arrived in the area in two Toyota Hilux vans and stationed themselves near a local bridge.
The confrontation reportedly began when a local resident approached the officers, questioning their presence and insisting that the local council chairman should be informed of their activities. This demand for transparency and due process appears to have triggered the escalation. An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that one of the officers identified the resident as an “honourable” with whom they had a prior disagreement.
The situation quickly spiraled out of control when the team leader of the immigration officers gave an order for the resident's arrest. Fearing for his safety, the resident reportedly fled the scene. Officers gave chase, with one allegedly wielding a cane. It was during this pursuit that a single gunshot was fired. The bullet, however, did not hit the intended target but instead traveled into a nearby residence.
A source from the community, speaking to News Peddlers, provided a harrowing account of the aftermath. The stray bullet allegedly penetrated the wall of a home, striking a woman who was resting in her room.
The source stated, "This woman was said to have been lying in her room where the bullet met her. The immigration officers stationed at Ropoji who came to Igbogbele just now." The victim was reported to have sustained an arm injury and was rushed for medical attention. The current state of her health remains unconfirmed.
As of press time, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unconfirmed. Attempts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service Seme Border Command for an official statement have been unsuccessful. Neither the NIS nor local police authorities have issued any public comment on the alleged shooting, the condition of the victim, or whether any officers have been detained pending an investigation.
The lack of an official statement has fueled anxiety and anger within the Gbogbele community and across the Badagry West Local Government Area. Community leaders and human rights advocates are calling for a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
They are demanding that the Nigeria Immigration Service be held accountable for the alleged use of excessive force, which resulted in an innocent bystander being harmed within the safety of her own home. This incident raises serious concerns about the rules of engagement and operational protocols of security personnel in civilian areas.