Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Minna, Niger State, Nigeria — The Niger State Police Command has detained members of an internal audit and investigative team assigned to probe alleged illegal arms dealings by a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) following a tragic development during the audit exercise. The move has drawn attention to concerns within the command over accountability, negligence and arms control amid increasing insecurity challenges in parts of the state.
The detained officers were part of a team detailed to audit arms and ammunition in the armoury of DPO Abdullahi Isah, who served as the Head of Armoury at Mobile Police (MOPOL) 12 under the B Division Police Command on Paikoro Road, Minna. The audit was launched after allegations surfaced suggesting that Isah was involved in unlawfully supplying ammunition to bandits operating in nearby communities.
According to the Niger State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the audit team travelled from Abuja to Minna in mid-December 2025 to carry out the routine annual arms and ammunition check. During the process, they reportedly uncovered discrepancies involving approximately 13 AK-47 rifles and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition that could not initially be accounted for, prompting further scrutiny.
The situation took a dramatic turn when Isah allegedly shot himself in the head with a pistol from his office as the audit was underway, and he was pronounced dead on the spot. The officer’s death came hours after his arrest on suspicion of illegally dealing in ammunition. In response, the police command detained the audit and investigative officers involved in the exercise, citing negligence and failure to exercise proper custody and supervision during the audit that allowed Isah access to a firearm.
Niger State police sources indicated that the detained officers could face internal disciplinary action or an orderly room trial, as the command seeks to determine whether their conduct during the audit breached standard operating procedures or contributed to the tragic outcome. Further investigations are ongoing to clarify how the accused divisional officer obtained and maintained access to weapons despite the audit process.
The audit itself was part of an effort to tighten oversight of police armouries in a region that has seen increased banditry and criminal activity in communities such as Erena in Shiroro Local Government Area. In related developments, another police officer, Inspector John Moses, reportedly confessed to involvement in supplying arms and ammunition to bandits through his brother, further underscoring concerns about arms diversion within security structures.
Spokespersons for the command emphasised that while the 13 missing rifles are not yet officially confirmed as unaccounted for, the audit aimed to establish proper accountability and address any irregularities. The detention of the audit team reflects internal moves to reinforce discipline and ensure that such exercises are conducted in a manner that safeguards personnel and preserves public trust.
Authorities have reiterated that the investigation into the alleged arms dealing and the circumstances leading to the officer’s death remains active, and additional findings will be made available as inquiries progress.
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