A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Isah Abdullahi, popularly known as Kunkuri, has died in Niger State in what police authorities have described as a suspected suicide during an official investigation into missing arms and ammunition.
The late officer was attached to the Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) 12 in Minna and served as the officer in charge of the unit’s armoury. His death occurred at the armoury while investigators were conducting an audit following allegations that weapons under his control were illegally supplied to bandits and other criminal elements operating in the state.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the police force and raised renewed concerns about arms leakage, internal discipline, and the fight against insecurity in Niger State.
The investigation reportedly began after a routine audit of the MOPOL 12 armoury was carried out by detectives from Abuja. During the audit, officers allegedly discovered that 13 AK-47 rifles and more than 2,000 rounds of live ammunition could not be accounted for.
The discovery immediately raised alarm, especially given the continued attacks by bandits and armed groups in parts of Niger State, including Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi local government areas.
Security sources said the missing weapons were suspected to have been diverted to criminal groups operating in remote communities.
As investigations expanded, Inspector John Moses, an officer attached to the Niger State Government House, was arrested.
According to security sources, Inspector Moses allegedly confessed that the missing arms were supplied to him by DSP Abdullahi. He was said to have admitted that the weapons were delivered to bandits operating in Erena community, Shiroro Local Government Area.
Moses reportedly told investigators that his brother acted as the middleman between him and the criminals, serving as an informant with direct links to the bandits.
Following these developments, both Inspector Moses and DSP Abdullahi were taken to Abuja by operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for further investigation.
Sources said that as investigations deepened, DSP Abdullahi was returned from Abuja to Minna to participate in a physical inspection of the armoury and help account for the missing weapons.
During the audit, investigators reportedly discovered empty ammunition boxes, further raising suspicion about the extent of the missing arms.
It was gathered that the armoury operates with electronic access systems that were controlled only by the late officer, placing responsibility for the weapons largely under his supervision.
According to police sources, while the audit was still ongoing, DSP Abdullahi suddenly picked up a pistol inside the armoury and shot himself in the head.
Officers present during the audit were said to have been unable to stop the incident, which happened suddenly.
The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the officer’s death and the alleged arms supply.
According to him, Inspector Moses is still being investigated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“He brought out a pistol and shot himself when empty ammunition boxes were discovered,” the commissioner said.
The Niger State Police Command also issued a statement through its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirming the incident.
“On December 16, 2025, at about 2:30 pm, DSP Abdullahi Isah, attached to 12 PMF Minna, who was earlier arrested on December 15 over suspected illegal dealings in ammunition, was taken to his office for a routine arms audit,” the statement read.
“Unfortunately, during the audit, the officer picked up a pistol within the office and shot himself in the head, leading to his death at the scene.”
SP Abiodun further disclosed that officers who were present during the audit were arrested for negligence in the line of duty.
“The policemen detailed to accompany the audit and investigation were arrested for negligence for allowing such a situation to occur. Further investigation is ongoing at the Paiko Road Police Station, Minna,” he said.
Those officers are expected to face disciplinary procedures, including Orderly Room trials.
Following the incident, a special team from the Office of the National Security Adviser took over the security of the MOPOL 12 armoury.
The facility has been placed under 24-hour guard to prevent tampering with evidence as investigations continue.
An autopsy has also been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death and confirm official findings.
Sources revealed that at least four other police officers connected to DSP Abdullahi are currently being interrogated as part of the investigation.
Authorities are also examining records to determine whether other arms may have been diverted and to identify possible collaborators within or outside the police force.
The incident has renewed public concern over how criminals continue to obtain sophisticated weapons despite ongoing security operations.
Residents of Niger State have repeatedly complained about attacks by bandits who carry high-powered rifles, often overpowering local security efforts.
Sources also disclosed that DSP Abdullahi owned several properties and vehicles. While police authorities have not officially linked his assets to the alleged arms dealings, financial investigations are expected to form part of the probe.
The death of a senior police officer during an investigation into missing arms has raised serious questions about internal control, accountability, and monitoring of weapons within security agencies.
The federal government has repeatedly stated that any security personnel found aiding criminals will be dealt with according to the law.