A senior police officer in Niger State has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during an investigation into missing arms and ammunition, the police command confirmed.
Audit Uncovers Missing Weapons, Leads to Arrest
The incident involves Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abdullahi Isah, who was attached to the 12 Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Minna. According to the command's spokesman, SP Abiodun Wasiu, DSP Isah was first arrested on December 15, 2025 on suspicion of illegal dealings in ammunition.
Subsequent investigations revealed a significant shortfall at the armoury he oversaw as Head of Armoury at Mopol 12. An audit of just the AK-47 section found that 13 AK-47 rifles and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition were missing and unaccounted for.
Fatal Turn During Physical Verification
On December 16, around 2:30 pm, DSP Isah was taken from custody to his office for a routine physical arms audit. SP Wasiu stated that during the process, the officer "picked a pistol from within the office and shot himself in the head, dying instantly."
The armoury is electronically controlled, and access was reportedly limited to the DSP. Officers who accompanied him to the scene have been arrested "for negligence in the line of duty and allowing the situation to occur." They are set to face an orderly room trial.
Wider Network and Ongoing Investigations
The probe has expanded beyond the deceased officer. Inspector John Moses, attached to the Niger State Government House, was also arrested. He allegedly confessed that the late DSP supplied him with arms and ammunition, which were then sold to bandits and hoodlums in Erena Community, Shiroro Local Government Area, through an intermediary brother.
Operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) have taken the suspects to Abuja for further questioning. At least four other police officers linked to DSP Isah are being interrogated. It was also alleged that the deceased owned multiple cars and houses in Minna.
The Niger State Police Command has assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to unravel the full extent of the illegal arms network and ensure all culprits are brought to justice.
