A police patrol team from the Surulere Division of the Lagos State Police Command is under investigation following the reported loss of a service AK-47 rifle during a routine stop-and-search operation, according to Sahara Reporters.
According to an internal police wireless message dated May 12, 2025, and signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Area B Command, Apapa, the incident occurred in the early hours of April 30, 2025. The document also referenced an earlier alert dated May 1, detailing the disappearance of the firearm and accompanying ammunition.
The team, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Lucky Ebalumenfoh, was stationed beneath the Ojuelegba Bridge at approximately 3:00 a.m. when they intercepted a commercial motorcycle transporting a passenger.
During the attempt to apprehend the riders, a struggle reportedly broke out, resulting in the snatching of the officer’s AK-47 rifle, marked with breech number 52-2-559256 and loaded with ten rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
A 19-year-old suspect, identified as Mustapher Abubakar, who was the passenger on the motorcycle, was arrested at the scene and is currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
The entire patrol unit involved in the operation has since been detained and is undergoing disciplinary proceedings.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police has mandated full compliance with recovery protocols and ordered all divisional police officers, tactical teams, and anti-crime squads to intensify efforts to retrieve the missing firearm.
