By Darlington Onedibe
A major security concern has been triggered in Kogi State following the theft of an assault rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition belonging to a police inspector attached to the Government House in Lokoja.
​The incident occurred when suspected thieves stole the officer’s private vehicle, where the weapon and ammunition were reportedly kept. The Stolen Weaponry was one operational assault rifle and a magazine fully loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition.
The suspects reportedly targeted and stole the inspector’s vehicle, unaware or taking advantage of the fact that the service weapon was stored inside.
​”A full-scale investigation has been launched to track down the stolen vehicle, recover the lethal weapon, and apprehend the perpetrators before the firearm is used to commit further crimes,” a security source stated.
​The loss of a high-caliber assault rifle from an officer attached to the state’s seat of power has raised serious questions regarding weapon handling and storage protocols among security personnel.
​The Kogi State Police Command has reportedly intensified stop-and-search operations along major exit routes out of Lokoja in a bid to intercept the stolen vehicle and retrieve the ammunition. No official statement has been released yet by the command’s Public Relations Officer regarding any arrests.
