DSP Dies During Arms Audit Amid Probe of Alleged Weapons Supply to Bandits in Niger

A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Isah Abdullahi, also known as Kunkuri, attached to the 12 Police Mobile Force (MOPOL 12) in Minna, Niger State, has died during an investigation into alleged illegal supply of arms and ammunition to bandits and other criminal elements in the state.

Abdullahi, who was in charge of the MOPOL 12 armoury, reportedly died inside the facility while security operatives were conducting a routine arms audit. His death occurred against the backdrop of allegations linking him to the diversion of police weapons to criminal groups operating in parts of Niger State.

The investigation reportedly began after a team of detectives from Abuja carried out an audit of the MOPOL 12 armoury and discovered that 13 AK-47 rifles and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition were missing. The development triggered a wider probe into possible internal compromise within the unit.

As part of the investigation, Inspector John Moses, attached to the Niger State Government House, was arrested. He allegedly confessed that the late DSP supplied him with arms, which were then delivered to bandits operating in Erena community, Shiroro Local Government Area. Moses was also said to have identified his brother, described as an informant for the criminal group, as a middleman in the alleged transaction.

Following these revelations, Abdullahi and other suspects were taken to Abuja by operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for further questioning. He was later returned to Minna as investigations intensified, to enable a physical audit of the armoury under his supervision.

According to police sources, Abdullahi collapsed during the audit process after investigators reportedly discovered empty ammunition boxes. He was later confirmed dead at the scene. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the precise cause of death.

It was further gathered that the armoury’s electronic access system, which was reportedly under the exclusive control of the deceased officer, is now a major focus of the investigation.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, said Inspector Moses remains under investigation by the Office of the National Security Adviser. He added that a special ONSA team has taken over security of the armoury, which is now under 24-hour surveillance.

In a statement, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that the DSP died during an ongoing investigation into suspected illegal ammunition dealings.

“On December 16, 2025, at about 2:30 pm, DSP Abdullahi Isah, attached to 12 PMF Minna, who was earlier arrested on December 15 for suspected involvement in illegal ammunition dealings, was taken to his office for a routine arms audit,” Abiodun said.

“Unfortunately, during the audit process, the officer died inside the office. Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Abiodun disclosed that officers who accompanied the deceased during the audit were arrested for negligence and are facing an Orderly Room trial, while four other police officers linked to the case are currently being interrogated.

The armoury remains under tight security as authorities continue efforts to uncover the full extent of the alleged arms diversion network within the command.