Katsina Police Officer Disappears After Signing Out AK-47 Rifle, Command Launches Manhunt

A police officer, identified as PC Ahmed Tukur, has reportedly disappeared under suspicious circumstances after signing out an AK-47 rifle for duty from the Danmusa Division in Katsina State.

According to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, the incident happened on November 23, when Tukur reported for duty around 6 p.m. and checked out the rifle, bearing breech number 13492, for standby duty.

However, shortly after receiving the weapon, the officer allegedly left the station for an unknown destination and has not been seen since.

In a post on his X handle on Thursday, Makama said the officer’s disappearance has triggered serious concern within security circles.

Citing a source, Makama noted that attempts to trace Tukur, including visits to his residence and calls to his family members, have produced no leads.

Police authorities in Katsina are said to have intensified efforts to locate the missing officer and recover the rifle, describing the matter as “a serious operational and security concern” given the insecurity challenges in the state.

When SaharaReporters reached out to the spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Aliyu, he neither answered his calls nor responded to messages sent to him.

In an unrelated but similar case, SaharaReporters exclusively reported on Wednesday that troops of the 12 Brigade, working with operatives of the Kogi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), intercepted and arrested a Nigerian Air Force aircraftman for illegally transporting firearms.

According to a situation report obtained by SaharaReporters, the operation was carried out late Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Kabba Junction in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The suspect, identified as ACM Anas Muhammad Fakai (NAF 23/42603), was arrested at about 10:20 p.m. while conveying two pump-action rifles and a Browning pistol. Fakai reportedly told operatives that he was delivering the weapons to Constable Mohammed Auwal Haliru, an orderly attached to a Commissioner of Police at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He further claimed the firearms had been sent to him by Inspector Paul, who is currently serving at the Edo State Government House in Benin.

Investigations also showed that Fakai is a serving member of the 107 Air Maritime Group in Benin, along Airport Road, and attended the Nigeria Police Secondary School in Gusau, Zamfara State, between 2015 and 2019.

The suspect and the recovered weapons are now in custody and under investigation pending further directives from security authorities.(SaharaReporters)