The Taraba State Police Command has taken an inspector and his girlfriend into custody following the alarming disappearance of a service assault rifle. The incident, which poses a significant security risk, occurred along the busy Wukari–Jootar Federal Highway.
Christmas Day Security Breach
According to details provided by security analyst Zagazola Makam, the missing firearm was assigned to Inspector Joshua Charles, a 45-year-old officer attached to the Safer Highway Patrol team. The sequence of events began on December 25, 2025, at about 3:00 p.m., when Inspector Charles reportedly left his duty post to visit Wukari town.
He left behind three colleagues—Inspectors Haruna Galadima, Isah Waziri, and Umar Mohammed—who remained at their post. Later that evening, at around 8:30 p.m., the inspector's girlfriend, identified as Ruth Alphancis from Sabon Gari in Jalingo, returned home from Jootar village in Benue State.
Discovery of the Missing Firearm
A source familiar with the investigation stated that Ruth claimed to have seen an unidentified person breaking out of the house she shared with the inspector. The couple had been cohabiting since August 2025. Upon Inspector Charles's return from Wukari town, he was allegedly in a drunken state when he made a shocking discovery.
His Type 06 assault rifle, loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition, which he claimed he had left inside the room, was missing. The breach number of the rifle has not been immediately confirmed, adding complexity to recovery efforts.
Ongoing Investigation and Manhunt
Police operatives swiftly visited the scene after the report was made. A major operation has been launched to recover the high-powered weapon and apprehend those responsible for its disappearance. The potential for the rifle to fall into the wrong hands has heightened security concerns in the area.
"The inspector and his girlfriend are currently in detention to aid the investigation, while collaborative efforts involving local residents and hunters are ongoing to recover the rifle," the source added. This community-involved approach underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the breach.
The detention of both individuals aims to unravel the circumstances leading to the weapon's loss, whether it was a case of negligence, theft, or internal compromise. The Taraba State Police Command is expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses.
