ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — The Ivorian National Police is reeling after the death of the Chief of the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) in Yopougon, who was found dead at his residence late Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
His passing marks the third fatal shooting involving senior security officials in less than three weeks.
Police sources confirmed that the BRI Chief was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head.
While forensic results are still pending, preliminary reports suggest the officer may have taken his own life. Investigators from the forensic division cordoned off the scene Wednesday night to collect evidence.
The death adds to a troubling series of suspected suicides among Côte d’Ivoire’s defense and security forces (FDS) this month.
On December 1, Adjudant-Chief Silué Gologafolo, Commander of the Fresco Gendarmerie Brigade, was found dead in his office with a gunshot wound to the head, reportedly inflicted with his service weapon.
Also on December 9, a Police Commissioner assigned to the SOTRA (Abidjan Transport Company) unit was discovered dead at his private residence under similar circumstances while on December 17, the BRI Chief in Yopougon was found dead at home, also from a gunshot wound.
The Ministry of Interior and Security has yet to issue a collective statement addressing the string of deaths. However, separate investigations have been opened for each case. “The exact circumstances remain to be established through formal legal and ballistic investigations,” a source close to the police administration told reporters.
LPR’s correspondent in Abidjan said the recent losses have cast a shadow over the country’s security institutions, raising concerns about morale and mental health within the ranks.
