By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: An operative of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps has died from an accidental discharge shortly after participating in a joint security operation that rescued 66 kidnap victims in the state.
The operation, led by the Nigerian Army, took place on Monday at Tidibali Forest in the eastern part of Sokoto State.
Confirming the incident, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), said the tragic event occurred shortly after the security team returned to their base.
“It was an accidental discharge. The operative was handling his firearm when it mistakenly went off and shot him. Unfortunately, he didn’t survive,” Usman said.
The ongoing operation, which is funded by the Sokoto State Government, has recorded significant successes in the fight against banditry.
“So far, 66 kidnap victims have been rescued, and several bandits neutralized during the operation,” Usman noted, adding that the exercise would continue until the state is rid of criminal elements.
A resident of Isa Local Government Area told Daily Trust that the rescued victims were brought to Isa town for care and reintegration.
The Sokoto State Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting security agencies in their mission to end banditry and restore peace across the state.