According to Khyber District Police Officer (DPO) Waqar Ahmad, Afridi was seriously wounded during an operation against smugglers of non-customs-paid (NCP) vehicles in the Malagori area. He was immediately shifted to a hospital in Peshawar, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police said the operation was launched after information about the movement of NCP vehicles in the area. During the encounter, the suspected smugglers opened fire on the police team, resulting in critical injuries to the SHO.

Two vehicles seized after gunfight

Officials said two non-customs-paid vehicles were seized from the scene following the exchange of fire. The vehicles were reportedly being transported towards Mohmand district through the Malagori route.

Police launched a search operation in the surrounding area to locate those involved in the incident. Reports also said that two suspected smugglers were arrested during the operation, while further investigation was underway.

The funeral prayer of Riaz Hussain Afridi was later offered with full state honours at Police Lines Khyber. Senior civil and military officials, police officers, family members and local residents attended the funeral and paid tribute to the martyred officer.