The Niger State Police Command has recovered three AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 104 rounds of live ammunition from two motorcycle riders involved in a fatal accident in Suleja, Niger State.
The incident happened on Tuesday night near the Boyi-Sarki and Toll Gate area of Suleja. According to the police, the two men were riding on a motorcycle from the Tafa area of Kaduna State and were heading towards Abuja when they ran into a road construction barrier. The crash was described as a lone accident.
Police said they received a distress call at about 9:50 p.m. from the Gawu-Babangida Division while a patrol team was conducting stop-and-search operations in the area. The team quickly moved to the accident scene to assist the victims.
On arrival, officers found the two riders on the ground. One of them had died on the spot due to injuries from the crash. While trying to help the second victim, the police recovered a sack that belonged to the riders. A search of the sack revealed three AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 104 rounds of ammunition.
The discovery of the weapons caused tension at the scene. Some residents who had rushed to help the victims reportedly turned against the injured rider after learning about the guns in the bag. Before the police could take him to the hospital, the man was attacked and lynched by a mob.
The bodies of the two men were later moved to the General Hospital morgue in Suleja.
The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday. He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, strongly condemned the act of jungle justice.
According to Abiodun, the police boss said the mob action prevented the police from getting important information that could have helped in their investigation. He said the suspect might have provided useful details about the source of the weapons and the purpose for which they were being transported.
The Commissioner of Police has directed the Area Commander in Suleja to begin a full investigation into the matter. He also ordered that those involved in the lynching should be identified and arrested.
The recovered rifles have been sent for ballistic analysis as part of ongoing investigations. Police say this test will help them to know if the guns have been used in previous crimes.
The recovery of assault rifles from accident victims has raised fresh concerns about the spread of illegal firearms in parts of the country. In recent years, security agencies have repeatedly warned about the movement of weapons across state borders, especially between states in the North-Central and North-West regions.
Niger State shares borders with Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The Suleja area is a busy route used by commuters and transporters travelling between Kaduna and Abuja. Security experts have often described the axis as sensitive because of its closeness to the nation’s capital.
The use of motorcycles for transporting illegal items has also been a concern for law enforcement agencies. Motorcycles can easily pass through narrow roads and avoid heavy security checks, making them attractive to criminal elements.
In several past operations, police and other security agencies have intercepted firearms and ammunition hidden in bags, vehicles, and other containers. However, this latest case is unusual because the weapons were discovered by chance following a road accident.
The Commissioner of Police has warned residents against taking the law into their own hands. He stressed that jungle justice is a crime and can lead to serious consequences.
Mob attacks have occurred in different parts of Nigeria in recent years. In many cases, suspects accused of theft, kidnapping, or other crimes have been beaten or killed by angry crowds before proper investigation. Human rights groups have often criticised such actions, saying they deny suspects the right to fair hearing and trial.
Security agencies have continued to advise members of the public to report suspicious persons or activities to the police instead of resorting to violence. The police say mob action not only destroys evidence but also makes it harder to uncover the full details of a crime.
In this case, the death of the second suspect means investigators may face challenges in tracing the origin and destination of the weapons. However, the police say they are working to gather intelligence and follow other leads.
The Niger State Police Command said investigations are ongoing to determine where the rifles came from and whether the suspects were linked to any criminal group.
Residents of Suleja have expressed shock over the incident. Some community members said they were worried about the presence of such dangerous weapons in the area. Others called for more security patrols, especially at night.
The police have assured the public that they remain committed to protecting lives and property. They also urged residents to stay calm and cooperate with security agencies.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the security challenges facing parts of the country. It also highlights the dangers of jungle justice and the need for citizens to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties within the law.
