In a major security lapse that has triggered alarm at the highest levels of Kogi State Government, a police inspector attached to the Governor’s House in Lokoja has lost an assault rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition after suspected thieves stole his vehicle.
The incident, which occurred on June 13, 2026, has sparked a nationwide manhunt for the missing weapon, with police authorities describing it as a serious breach that could fall into the wrong hands.
How It Happened
According to an internal police wireless message obtained by Sahara Reporters, Inspector Mohammed Abdullahi parked his Toyota Camry (Kaduna registration number ZKW 650AA) at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Lokoja around 7:30 pm.
Inside the vehicle, he left a police rifle (breech number FA 4082) along with 30 rounds of 7.62×39mm live ammunition. When he returned later, the car was gone.
The vehicle was later found abandoned opposite the Federal University, Felele, Lokoja — but the rifle and ammunition had already been removed.
Immediate Response
Following the report, the Kogi State Police Command alerted all divisions, patrol units, the Control Room, and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU). Teams were immediately mobilised across Lokoja and major roads in a desperate bid to recover the weapon.
A police signal dated June 16, 2026, was circulated to commands across the country, directing all units to be on high alert for the missing rifle.
Why This Matters
The loss of an assault rifle and live ammunition from an officer attached to the Government House is being treated as a high-level security threat. Security experts warn that such weapons in the hands of criminals or terrorists could be used for high-profile attacks, kidnappings, or assassinations.
As of the time of this report, there is no confirmation that the weapon has been recovered. The Kogi State Police Command has intensified efforts, with a clear directive to all formations to treat the matter with utmost urgency.
This embarrassing incident comes at a time when the state is already grappling with rising cases of banditry and kidnapping, raising fresh questions about the security of even government institutions and personnel.
Source: Sahara Reporters
