Police Detain ASP, Entire Patrol Team After Losing Firearm, Ammunition During Stop-And-Search
The Lagos State Police Command has detained an Assistant Superintendent of Police and his entire patrol team following the loss of a service AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in the Surulere area of Lagos.
According to a police wireless signal dated 12 May 2025, and signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Area B Command, Apapa, the incident occurred on 30 April 2025 at about 3am at the Ojuelegba under-bridge.
The confidential memo, which was exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters, revealed that the firearm, an AK-47 rifle with breech number 52-2-559256 and loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, was snatched from ASP Lucky Ebalumenfoh during a scuffle with suspects.
It was gathered that the patrol team had stopped a commercial motorcycle (okada) carrying one passenger during their operation.
However, an attempt to arrest the riders escalated into a physical struggle, during which the weapon was taken from the officer.
The Lagos police authorities confirmed that one of the suspects, identified as 19-year-old Mustapher Abubakar, was apprehended at the scene. He is currently assisting investigators with useful information.
“LOSS OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION X GRATEFUL X LOSS BE INFORMED THAT X TODAY 30/04/2025 AT ABOUT 0300HRS X PATROL TEAM MINE ON STOP AND SEARCH DUTY AT OJUELEGBA UNDER BRIDGE… IN THE SCUFFLE THAT ENSUED X ONE AK47 RIFLE… WAS SNATCHED FROM ΑΡ/ΝΟ. 185504 ASP LUCKY EBALUMENFOH X,” part of the police wireless message read.
The memo further stated that the ASP and all officers involved in the operation are currently undergoing disciplinary procedures. They are also being detained pending the outcome of the internal investigation.
In response to the development, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), tactical squads, and anti-crime patrol units across Lagos have been placed on alert and directed to assist in the recovery of the missing firearm.
The police signal emphasised strict compliance and urged all formations to report any lead to the originating unit should the weapon be recovered.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
