Police Launch Nationwide Hunt For Missing Rifle After Vehicle Theft In Kogi

Police authorities have launched a nationwide search for a missing assault rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition after suspected thieves stole a vehicle belonging to a police inspector attached to the security detail at the Kogi State Government House, Lokoja.

The officer, identified as Inspector Mohammed Abdullahi, reportedly parked his Toyota Camry with registration number ZKW 650AA, registered in Kaduna State, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Lokoja on June 13, 2026.

Sources disclosed that the inspector allegedly left a police rifle bearing breech number FA 4082 and 30 rounds of 7.62×39mm live ammunition inside the vehicle before leaving the area. On returning, the officer discovered that the vehicle had been stolen, prompting an immediate security alert.

According to an internal police wireless message, the incident triggered a coordinated response involving divisional police formations, patrol teams, the Control Room, and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), all mobilised to track down the stolen vehicle and recover the missing firearm.

The vehicle was later recovered abandoned opposite the Federal University Lokoja in the Felele area of the state capital. However, the rifle and ammunition were missing when the car was found.

Following the discovery, police authorities commenced a nationwide manhunt for the missing weapon, directing commands and tactical units across the country to intensify surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at recovering the firearm and apprehending those responsible for the theft.

The police wireless communication also urged officers nationwide to remain vigilant and promptly relay any information that could assist in recovering the rifle and bringing the suspects to justice.