Port Harcourt, Nigeria – A wave of sorrow and disbelief has engulfed the Eagle Island community in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following the tragic death of a serving police officer, Inspector Maxwell Zabu, who allegedly took his own life in the early hours of Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
According to reports by Dez Mayorz News, Zabu was found in his residence with fatal gunshot wounds believed to have been self-inflicted. Sources close to the family and the police command revealed that the incident occurred in a quiet part of the officer’s compound, with no known witnesses. The Rivers State Police Command is yet to release an official statement at the time of filing this report.
Until his death, Inspector Zabu was personal orderly and close aide to Hon. Victor Ihunwo, former Mayor of Port Harcourt Local Government Area. Widely regarded as dedicated, disciplined, and professional, his sudden demise has left both his colleagues in the Nigeria Police Force and community members devastated.
A Grim Reminder: The Hidden Battle Behind the Badge
Zabu’s alleged suicide casts a sobering light on a silent epidemic within Nigeria’s security services—mental health struggles among law enforcement officers. With rising cases of suicide, stress-induced misconduct, and unexplained breakdowns, the death of Inspector Zabu is not an isolated tragedy.
In 2022, a police sergeant in Lagos reportedly shot himself after suffering prolonged depression.
In 2023, the Nigeria Police Medical Services reported a 21% increase in requests for psychological evaluations compared to 2020.
A 2024 report by CLEEN Foundation warned that more than 45% of police personnel experience chronic psychological stress, largely untreated.
Why It Matters: High Pressure, Low Support
Policing in Nigeria is among the most dangerous and thankless professions:
Long hours, poor welfare, and under-resourced commands.
Exposure to violence, political pressure, and public hostility.
Cultural stigma around mental health, leading to silence in suffering.
Experts warn that without systematic intervention, more cases like Inspector Zabu’s may occur unnoticed.
“Law enforcement personnel are human beings first. We can’t expect them to carry society’s burden without mental health support,” says Dr. Tonia Briggs, clinical psychologist and trauma specialist.
What Could Have Been Behind It?
Though the cause of Zabu’s death remains speculative pending investigation, analysts point to possible personal, financial, or emotional distress. Often, officers are reluctant to seek help, fearing stigma or professional repercussions.
“He was a quiet, respectful man. Nobody saw this coming,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. “Maybe if he had someone to talk to, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Recommendations: A Call for Police Mental Health Reform
Inspector Zabu’s death should serve as a catalyst for reform, not another name lost in silence. Experts and civil society organizations are calling for:
1. Mandatory psychological evaluations for all officers every six months.
2. Establishment of mental health units in every state police command.
3. Anonymous counseling hotlines for personnel and their families.
4. Improved welfare packages to ease stress associated with financial hardship.
5. Destigmatization campaigns within the force to encourage emotional expression.
“We lose more officers to suicide and mental breakdown than we admit. It’s time the Nigeria Police Force invests in psychological armor, not just physical weapons,” noted Dr. Amiida Fraser, MFR, a governance and public service reform expert.
Conclusion: Honoring the Fallen by Saving the Living
The loss of Inspector Maxwell Zabu is not just a tragedy for his family, but a grim reminder of the pressures that many officers endure in silence. As investigations continue, the hope is that his story becomes a turning point for the police force, prompting internal reflection, systemic reform, and a new era of compassionate policing—where protecting the mental health of those who protect us becomes a national priority.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Dr. G. A. Fraser. MFR
The National Patriots
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report
