A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), identified as Isah Abdullahi, has reportedly taken his own life in Minna, Niger State, amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged diversion of police firearms and ammunition to bandits.
According to reports, the senior officer, who was in charge of the Mobile Police Force (MOPOL 12) armoury, was undergoing questioning after an internal audit uncovered that several weapons and ammunition were missing from the facility.
Missing AK-47 Rifles and Over 2,000 Rounds of Ammunition
The audit allegedly revealed that 13 AK-47 rifles and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition were unaccounted for, prompting a deeper probe into the armoury operations.
One inspector, also detained, reportedly linked the missing weapons to an illegal supply chain connected to bandits operating within Niger State. Federal investigators from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) have since taken over the case and transferred suspects to Abuja for further interrogation.
Suicide Inside Armoury
While under supervision during the audit process on Thursday, the DSP was said to have accessed a pistol from the armoury and allegedly shot himself, dying instantly. The shocking incident occurred inside the restricted facility, raising further concerns about internal security and access control.
Police officials confirmed that the access system within the armoury is electronic, which reportedly made it difficult to intervene during the fatal moment. Following the incident, officers present at the scene were detained for disciplinary action.
Official Confirmation
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing regarding the missing weapons, while also acknowledging the DSP’s death. An autopsy is expected to be carried out to formally establish the cause of death.
Rising Concerns Over Arms Diversion
This development adds to growing national concerns about the infiltration of security structures by criminal networks, following multiple reports linking rogue officers to arms trafficking and insecurity across the northern region.
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