Nigerian Police Detain ASP and Entire Patrol Team After Loss of Firearm and Ammunition During Stop-and-Search.
From Our Correspondent.
A report from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has confirmed the loss of a police AK-47 rifle during a stop-and-search operation conducted by a patrol team from the Surulere Division.
An exclusive police memo, signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police for Area B in Apapa and dated May 12, 2025, revealed that the incident took place on April 30, 2025. An earlier message dated May 1, 2025, had already highlighted the loss of the firearm and ammunition.
According to the police memo, the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and the entire patrol team involved are currently undergoing disciplinary procedures. All team members have been detained and are under investigation.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 AM on April 30, 2025, when the team was stationed under the Ojuelegba bridge and stopped a commercial motorcycle (okada) carrying one passenger.
During the attempt to arrest the riders, a scuffle ensued, resulting in the AK-47 rifle (Breech No. 52-2-559256), loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, being snatched from ASP Lucky Ebalumenfoh (AP/No. 185504).
One suspect, identified as Mustapher Abubakar, a 19-year-old male and the passenger on the motorcycle, was arrested at the scene and is currently assisting the police with their investigations.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the missing firearm, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), tactical teams, and anti-crime units have been ordered to disseminate the alert and assist in the recovery process.
Police authorities emphasize the importance of strict compliance to facilitate the recovery of the lost weapon and request that any units that recover the weapon report it to the originating unit.
Further developments will be communicated as they arise.
The police memo states in part:
“LOSS OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION: This is to inform you that today, April 30, 2025, at approximately 3:00 AM, a patrol team on stop-and-search duty at Ojuelegba under the bridge stopped a commercial motorcycle (okada) carrying a passenger with the intention of making an arrest. In the scuffle that ensued, one AK-47 rifle (Breech No. 52-2- 559256) along with 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition was snatched from ASP Lucky Ebalumenfoh (AP/No. 185504). The passenger on the motorcycle, Mustapher Abubakar, 19 years old, has been arrested and is currently assisting the police in the investigation.
“The ASP and his team are undergoing disciplinary procedures. Efforts are being made to recover the lost arms and ammunition. Further developments will be communicated. All team members are currently detained and under investigation. All DPOs are requested to disseminate this information to their formations, anti-crime patrol teams, and tactical teams to aid in the recovery of the arms and ammunition. Please inform the originating unit if the weapon is recovered. Strict compliance is expected.”END.
