Police authorities in Taraba State have taken an inspector and his girlfriend into custody after an assault rifle was reported missing along the Wukari–Jootar Federal Highway.
Sources disclosed to Zagazola Makama, a security analyst, that the firearm was assigned to Inspector Joshua Charles, 45, a member of the Safer Highway Patrol team. The incident was said to have occurred on December 25.
According to the account, Inspector Charles left his duty post for Wukari town at about 3:00 p.m., leaving three colleagues, Inspectors Haruna Galadima, Isah Waziri and Umar Mohammed on duty at the location.
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Later that evening, at around 8:30 p.m., the inspector’s girlfriend, identified as Ruth Alphancis from the Sabon Gari area of Jalingo, reportedly returned from Jootar village in Benue State.
She allegedly claimed she noticed an unknown individual forcing their way out of the house.
The woman has reportedly been living with the officer since August 2025.
On his return from Wukari, the inspector was said to have discovered that his Type 06 assault rifle, allegedly left in the room, was no longer there.
The weapon was reportedly loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition at the time it went missing.
The rifle’s breach number could not be immediately confirmed.
Following the report, security operatives visited the scene, while investigations were launched to trace and recover the missing firearm and identify those responsible.
“The inspector and his girlfriend are currently in detention to aid investigation, while collaborative efforts involving local residents and hunters are ongoing to recover the rifle,” the source added.
