A police inspector attached to the security detail of the Kogi State Government House has reportedly lost an assault rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition after suspected thieves stole his vehicle in Lokoja, triggering a nationwide search by law enforcement authorities.

According to an internal police wireless message dated June 16, 2026, the missing firearm belongs to Inspector Mohammed Abdullahi, who serves with the Government House security team in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.

The report indicated that the incident occurred on June 13 at approximately 7:30 p.m. when the officer parked his Toyota Camry, bearing Kaduna State registration number ZKW 650AA, at the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Lokoja.

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According to the police signal, Abdullahi left a police rifle with breech number FA 4082 and 30 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunition inside the vehicle.

When he later returned to retrieve the car, he reportedly discovered that the vehicle had been stolen.

The wireless message stated that the incident was immediately reported to police authorities, prompting alerts to multiple operational units across Lokoja.

Divisional police officers, the Control Room, and the Violent Crime Response Unit were informed of the development, while search teams were mobilized to patrol major roads and strategic locations in an effort to recover both the vehicle and the missing weapon.

Security operatives later located the abandoned vehicle opposite the Federal University Lokoja in the Felele area of Lokoja.

However, while the vehicle was successfully recovered, the rifle and ammunition were no longer inside the car.

The disappearance of the weapon has raised concern within security circles due to the potential risks associated with a police-issued firearm falling into unauthorized hands.

Authorities have since intensified efforts to track down those responsible and recover the missing rifle.

Following the discovery, police authorities reportedly issued directives to commands across Nigeria, including tactical units, detectives, patrol teams, and intelligence officers, to assist in locating the firearm.

The signal instructed officers nationwide to circulate details of the missing weapon throughout their formations and immediately notify the Kogi State Police Command if any useful information emerges.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safeguarding of official firearms and the security implications that arise when weapons go missing.

Investigations are continuing as law enforcement agencies work to recover the rifle and identify those responsible for the theft.