Shock and Outrage as Police DSP Dies Amid Probe Into Alleged Arms Supply to Bandits

Nigeria’s deepening security crisis took an even more troubling turn with the death of a senior police officer who was under investigation for allegedly diverting arms and ammunition to bandits terrorising communities in Niger State. The incident has raised serious questions about internal sabotage within the country’s security architecture and has further fuelled public distrust in institutions meant to protect lives and property.

The deceased officer, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) identified as Isah Abdullahi, also known by the nickname Kunkuri, was attached to the Mobile Police Force, Mopol 12, in Niger State. Until his death, Abdullahi served as the officer in charge of the Mopol 12 armoury located within the B Division premises of the Niger State Police Command along Paikoro Road in Minna.

Trouble reportedly began when a team of senior detectives from Abuja arrived in Minna to conduct a routine annual audit of arms and ammunition—a standard procedure meant to ensure accountability within police formations. During the audit, investigators allegedly discovered disturbing discrepancies. Several rounds of ammunition could not be accounted for, prompting a deeper inspection of the armoury.

Preliminary findings reportedly revealed that 13 AK-47 rifles and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition were missing, an alarming discovery given the ongoing banditry and violent attacks in parts of Niger State and the wider North-Central region. Investigators were said to be auditing the AK-47 section of the armoury when the magnitude of the alleged diversion became apparent.

As the investigation widened, Inspector John Moses, a police officer attached to the Niger State Government House in Minna, was arrested. During interrogation, Moses allegedly confessed that the missing weapons and ammunition were supplied to him by the late DSP. According to investigators, Moses further claimed that the arms were delivered to bandits and other criminal elements operating in Erena community, Shiroro Local Government Area, one of the flashpoints of insecurity in the state.

More troubling still, the inspector allegedly disclosed that the weapons were sold through his brother, an indigene of the affected community, who reportedly acted as an intermediary and informant for the armed groups. This revelation reinforced long-held suspicions among Nigerians that insider collaboration within security agencies has significantly sustained banditry and insurgency.

Following these developments, operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) reportedly took over the case, transferring suspects to Abuja for further interrogation. The late DSP was later returned to Minna and escorted to the armoury for a physical verification of weapons and ammunition.

It was during this exercise that tragedy struck. According to police sources, while examining boxes that were supposed to contain ammunition—some of which were allegedly empty—the DSP suddenly accessed a pistol within the armoury and shot himself. He died instantly at the scene.

Investigators noted that the armoury operates an electronic access control system, reportedly restricted to the deceased officer, which allowed him to retrieve a weapon before accompanying officers could restrain him. In the aftermath, officers who escorted him to the armoury were immediately arrested and are facing an orderly room trial over alleged negligence. Additionally, four policemen attached to the DSP have been taken into custody for questioning.

A special security team from the NSA has since taken control of the armoury and is currently guarding the facility as investigations continue.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, stated that Inspector John Moses remains under investigation in Abuja. He added that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the DSP’s death.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, also confirmed that the deceased officer had been arrested on December 15, 2025, over suspected illegal dealings in ammunition. He stressed that investigations into the missing weapons, possible collaborators, and the broader arms supply network remain ongoing.

Beyond the tragic death, the case has reignited nationwide outrage. Many Nigerians see the incident as further evidence that internal compromise within security agencies is a major reason why banditry and insurgency persist despite massive security spending. Until such alleged networks are fully exposed and prosecuted, critics argue, the fight against insecurity will remain an uphill battle.