Police officer being investigated for link with supply of weapons to bandits shoots self in Niger

The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Isah Abdullahi, who was being investigated for alleged link with illegal supply of arms and ammunition to bandits operating in the Niger State, has killed himself.

Niger State Police Command confirmed this over the week.

The deceased officer, it was gathered, was attached to the armoury of the 12 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron in Minna, the state capital and was responsible for the custody of arms and ammunition.

Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesman in the State, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the officer was arrested on December 15 following allegations of illegal arms dealings.

He explained that an internal investigation and routine arms audit were initiated on December 16 to account for missing rifles and ammunition allegedly linked to the armoury under DSP Abdullahi’s control.

He stated that during the audit process, the officer died after inflicting a gunshot wound on himself with a service pistol retrieved from his office.

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

“Unfortunately, while the audit was ongoing, the officer picked a pistol within the office and shot himself, leading to his immediate death”.

The police spokesman added that officers assigned to supervise the audit and investigation had been arrested for alleged negligence and failure to prevent the incident.

He stated: “Meanwhile, the policemen detailed for the audit and investigation have been arrested for negligence in the line of duty, having allowed such a situation to occur. Further investigation is ongoing”.

Sources within the Command disclosed that the deceased officer was in charge of the armoury and was alleged to have facilitated the delivery of arms and ammunition to terrorists through another police officer in the state.

The incident has raised serious concerns within the command over internal controls, arms management, and accountability among security personnel, particularly amid worsening insecurity in Niger State and neighbouring areas.