Police Officer Missing After Signing Out Rifle, Disappearing in Katsina

A police constable in Katsina State has been declared missing after signing out a service rifle and disappearing shortly after reporting for duty.

The incident was first disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post on X on Thursday.

According to Makama, the officer, Police Constable Ahmed Tukur of the Danmusa Division, reported for duty on November 23 at about 6pm, where he signed out an AK-47 rifle with breech number 13492 and rifle number 13492 for standby duty.

Shortly after collecting the weapon, he reportedly left the station and has not been seen since.

Efforts by his colleagues to reach him—including visits to his residence and contacts with family members—have yielded no information regarding his whereabouts.

Makama described the development as a serious security concern, noting that authorities have escalated efforts to track the missing officer and recover the service rifle.

The Katsina State Police Command, while yet to issue a formal press statement, is said to have intensified intelligence operations and internal deployment to locate the officer and retrieve the firearm.

Security stakeholders have raised alarms over the incident, warning that unauthorised possession of police-grade weapons poses a heightened threat, particularly in a state already battling recurring cases of banditry and armed attacks.

Authorities have urged the public to report any credible information that may assist in tracing the missing constable and securing the service rifle, as investigations continue.