Correctional Officer Rescued After Suicide Attempt in Zamfara

A Chief Correctional Assistant of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abdullahi Nura, was rescued after attempting to take his own life by jumping into the Gusau Dam in Zamfara State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when Nura, who was on his way to work at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Gusau, diverted and hired a commercial motorcyclist to take him to the dam.

Upon arrival, he reportedly jumped into the water in an apparent suicide attempt.

The alertness of the motorcyclist proved critical, as he immediately notified nearby security personnel and passersby, who rushed to the scene and rescued the officer from the dam.

Nura was found still dressed in his official uniform and was carrying his service identification card.

He was quickly taken to the medical clinic at the custodial facility, where he has since regained consciousness and is reported to be responding well to treatment.

Authorities have not disclosed the reasons behind the attempted suicide, but the Nigerian Correctional Service is expected to conduct an internal review to understand the circumstances leading to the incident.

The case has drawn attention to the mental health and well-being of security personnel in Nigeria, especially in conflict-prone regions like Zamfara, which has been dealing with heightened insecurity in recent years.

Efforts are ongoing to provide the officer with psychological support as investigations continue.