Nigerian Police DSP Commits Suicide During Investigation of Arms Supply to Bandits in Niger State

Nigeria police arms diversion probe

The deceased officer, identified as Isah Abdullahi, was the officer in charge of the armoury at Mobile Police Force Unit 12, located within the Niger State Police Command premises. Police officials confirmed he died during a supervised physical audit of weapons.

The audit followed the arrival of a special team of detectives from Abuja conducting a routine annual review of arms and ammunition assigned to the unit.

Missing rifles and ammunition discovered

According to preliminary audit findings, at least 13 AK-47 rifles and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition could not be accounted for. Investigators said the discrepancies were detected during verification of the AK-47 section of the armoury.

Security sources said the missing weapons raised immediate concerns about possible diversion to criminal networks operating in parts of Niger State.

Investigation expands after inspector’s arrest

Further inquiries led to the arrest of an inspector attached to the Niger State Government House in Minna. Investigators said the inspector was questioned over alleged links to arms movements outside official channels.

During interrogation, the inspector reportedly disclosed that weapons and ammunition were supplied to armed groups operating in Erena community, located in Shiroro Local Government Area.

Alleged intermediary role disclosed

Investigators said the inspector identified a relative as an intermediary who allegedly facilitated contact with armed groups in the area. The relative was described as familiar with local terrain and movements.

Security officials said the disclosures prompted a broader intelligence review to determine the scale of the alleged supply network.

National security intervention

Operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser later took over the investigation, according to security officials. The suspects were transferred to Abuja for further questioning.

Authorities said the move was intended to centralise the probe and prevent interference, given the sensitivity of the allegations.

Return to armoury ends in fatal incident

Police sources said the DSP was later returned to Minna for a supervised physical audit of the armoury. Officers accompanied him to the facility to verify the contents of weapons storage boxes.

During the process, the officer reportedly accessed a pistol inside the armoury and shot himself before accompanying personnel could restrain him.

Electronic armoury access cited

Investigators said the armoury operated an electronic control system, with access reportedly restricted to the deceased officer. This, they said, enabled him to retrieve a firearm despite supervision.

The officer died at the scene, according to police officials familiar with the incident.

Immediate arrests follow

Officers who accompanied the DSP to the armoury were immediately detained for questioning. Police said they are facing an orderly room trial over alleged negligence.

Four additional officers attached to the deceased were also taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police confirm death and investigation

The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, confirmed the incident to journalists. He said the inspector arrested earlier remains under investigation in Abuja.

Elleman said the deceased officer had presented ammunition boxes during the audit that were found to be empty, prompting further scrutiny.

Autopsy ordered

Police authorities said an autopsy would be conducted to determine the precise cause of death. They added that standard procedures would be followed in handling the case.

The Niger State Police Command said it was cooperating fully with national security agencies overseeing the probe.

Police spokesperson provides timeline

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said the deceased officer had been arrested on December 15 over suspected illegal dealings in ammunition.

Abiodun said the audit exercise resumed on December 16 at about 2:30 p.m., during which the fatal incident occurred.

Broader investigation continues

Police authorities said investigations into the missing weapons and alleged supply routes remain ongoing. They said no conclusions had been reached regarding the full scope of the alleged network.

A special security team from the Office of the National Security Adviser has since taken over the armoury and is guarding the facility.

Security concerns in Niger State

Niger State has faced persistent security challenges linked to banditry and armed criminal activity, particularly in rural communities. Authorities have repeatedly warned about the risks posed by illicit arms circulation.

Security analysts say diversion of weapons from official stockpiles poses a serious threat to internal security and undermines public trust in institutions.

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The police said disciplinary and criminal processes would proceed based on findings from the ongoing investigation. Officials said accountability would follow due process.

The case has renewed attention on arms control, internal audits and oversight mechanisms within Nigeria’s security agencies.