THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has denied a viral report that a Police Inspector was intercepted while transporting an AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition to an accomplice in Nasarawa State.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 21, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh (SP), clarified that the incident, which occurred on April 19, at Keffi Motor Park in Nyanya, was misrepresented by the social and online media, insisting park personnel were alerted by members of the Motor Park Union to a suspicious parcel in a passenger’s possession and upon inspection, officers found a magazine inside the package.
“The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to a publication circulating on social media alleging that a Police Inspector was intercepted while transporting an AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of live ammunition to an accomplice in Nasarawa State.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the report is misleading and aimed at causing unnecessary panic among members of the public.”
She clarified that preliminary investigations revealled that the parcel belonged to Inspector Kasim Usman of the 58 Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Nasarawa State.
She explained that the officer had noticed a fault with his officially assigned magazine after completing an official assignment in Abuja and was attempting to fix it, adding: “With the knowledge and permission of his unit commander, he remained behind in the FCT to have the issue fixed by Police Armourers in the FCT.
“Upon completion of the repair, and while returning to his duty post via public transport, he wrapped the magazine securely and carried it on his person for safekeeping.”
While acknowledging the need for stricter protocol in the handling and movement of Police equipment, Adeh stressed: “The viral report claiming the transportation of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition to an accomplice is entirely false and unfounded.
“The officer’s identity and assignment were duly verified, the legitimacy of the magazine confirmed and no firearm was found in his possession. There was no indication of any criminal intent or conspiracy.
“The incident is viewed as a procedural lapse in judgment rather than a criminal act, as falsely portrayed in the misleading social media reports.”
Meanwhile, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao S. Adewale, said “the deliberate fabrication and spread of misinformation aimed at misleading the public and discrediting the Nigeria Police Force” was unacceptable.
He urged the public to disregard the report and avoid spreading unverified claims that could cause panic, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to safeguarding all residents of the FCT.
Published:
Related articles
Recent articles
