A Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officer has been arrested by police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for being in possession of a large cache of firearms and ammunition.
The suspect, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, was apprehended on Monday afternoon near the Zuma area of Abuja. According to sources, the officer was unable to provide a reasonable explanation for how he came into possession of the weapons or where he was taking them.
The weapons recovered from the suspect include two CZ Scorpion rifles, two Diakon pistols, and several magazines and rounds of ammunition, including four AK-47 magazines and 139mm ammunition. Authorities suspect that the officer might have been involved in an illicit arms deal with criminal elements.
The arrest followed an intelligence report from informants about a missing person, leading to the police operation. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect is currently under interrogation. He assured the public that more details would be provided as investigations continue.
This arrest comes amid growing concerns about the proliferation of illegal arms in the country and efforts by security forces to curb arms trafficking and maintain public safety.