A Deputy Superintendent of Police, Isah Abdullahi, popularly known as Kunkuri, attached to the 12 Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) unit in Minna, Niger State, has tragically died after allegedly shooting himself during an official arms audit. His death comes amid a probe into allegations that he supplied firearms and ammunition to bandits and other criminal elements in the state.
The crisis reportedly began when detectives from Abuja conducted a routine audit of the MOPOL 12 armoury and discovered that 13 AK-47 rifles and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition were unaccounted for. This discovery triggered a full-scale investigation into possible internal collusion within the unit.
Investigators soon traced some of the missing weapons to Inspector John Moses, attached to the Niger State Government House. During questioning, Moses allegedly confessed that DSP Abdullahi supplied him with firearms intended for delivery to bandits operating in Erena, Shiroro Local Government Area. Sources indicate that Moses named his brother, an informant for the criminals, as the middleman in the illicit arms trade.
As the probe intensified, Abdullahi was brought back from Abuja to the Minna armoury for a physical audit. According to reports, he took advantage of the electronic armoury system, which was reportedly only accessible to him, to retrieve a pistol. In a tragic turn, he allegedly shot himself in the head, dying instantly.
Niger State Police Commissioner, Adamu Elleman, confirmed that the incident occurred during the audit following the discovery of empty ammunition boxes. SP Wasiu Abiodun, the state police public relations officer, provided additional details, stating that Abdullahi had been initially arrested on December 15, 2025, over suspected involvement in illegal arms dealings.
In the aftermath of Abdullahi’s death, officers assigned to accompany him during the audit were arrested for negligence and are now facing an Orderly Room trial. Additionally, four other police officers linked to Abdullahi are under interrogation as the investigation continues.
A special team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has taken over security of the armoury, which is now under 24-hour surveillance. An autopsy has been scheduled to formally determine the exact cause of death, while authorities continue to unravel the full extent of the alleged arms trafficking network.
Security analysts suggest that this incident highlights ongoing challenges within the Nigerian Police Force, particularly regarding internal controls in armouries and the potential infiltration of law enforcement by criminal elements. The alleged supply of firearms to bandits underscores the persistent threat posed by organized criminal networks in Niger State and neighboring regions.
Sources also revealed that Abdullahi owned multiple properties and vehicles, raising further questions about the scale of the illicit activities and whether financial irregularities were involved. Investigators are reportedly examining his assets as part of the ongoing probe.
The Niger State Police and ONSA have reassured the public that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness, emphasizing that all involved parties will be held accountable. Authorities are also reviewing operational protocols in police armouries to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the depth of Abdullahi’s alleged involvement and whether other members of the force were complicit.
Comments
Post a Comment