Soldier shoots security officer during altercation in Keffi

A security officer attached to Princess Sarah Hotel in Keffi, Nasarawa state, was reportedly shot during an altercation with a soldier attached to the 177 Guards Battalion under Operation MESA.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:40am on Saturday, 2026, when troops on night patrol encountered a dispute involving the hotel’s Chief Security Officer and a commercial motorcyclist.

According to the sources, the security officer, who was said to be a dismissed soldier, had allegedly detained the motorcyclist before the patrol team arrived at the scene.

Trouble reportedly started after one of the soldiers attempted to intervene in the matter on behalf of the motorcyclist.

During the confrontation, the Chief Security Officer allegedly slapped the soldier and tried to seize his rifle, leading to a struggle between both men.

The sources said the security officer was shot during the scuffle and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Keffi for treatment.

Authorities said investigations had commenced to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.