A police inspector assigned to the Kogi State Government House security team has lost an assault rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition after thieves reportedly stole his vehicle in Lokoja.
According to police records, the incident occurred on June 13 when the officer parked his Toyota Camry at the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja around 7:30 p.m. The vehicle reportedly contained a police rifle identified by breech number FA 4082 along with 30 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition.
The officer later returned to the location only to discover that the vehicle had disappeared. Following the report, security agencies immediately alerted various police divisions, patrol teams, crime units, and control room operators across Lokoja to begin a search operation.
Security personnel were deployed to monitor major roads and strategic locations within and around the city in an effort to recover both the vehicle and the missing weapon.
The stolen vehicle was eventually found abandoned near the Federal University area in Felele, Lokoja. However, the rifle and ammunition were no longer inside the car when it was recovered.
Authorities have since expanded efforts to trace and recover the missing firearm. Police commands, tactical squads, detectives, and patrol units nationwide have been directed to remain vigilant and share information that could lead to the retrieval of the weapon and ammunition.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
