Police Detain Drunk Inspector, Girlfriend Over Missing Rifle in Taraba State

Police in Taraba State have detained an Inspector of Police and his girlfriend following the reported disappearance of an assault rifle along the Wukari–Jootar Federal Highway.

The incident was disclosed on Saturday by security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post on X. According to him, the missing rifle belongs to Inspector Joshua Charles, who is attached to the Safer Highway Patrol team operating in the area.

Makama said the officer allegedly left his duty post on December 25 and went into Wukari town, while three other officers remained on duty at the checkpoint. Later that day, the inspector’s girlfriend, identified as Ruth Alphancis, reportedly returned home and claimed she noticed signs that their room had been broken into.

When the inspector returned, he allegedly discovered that his service rifle, which was loaded with ammunition, was missing. Sources quoted by Makama said the officer was allegedly drunk at the time he noticed the disappearance, and that full identification details of the firearm were not immediately available.

Following the report, police officers visited the area and launched an investigation into the incident. Both the inspector and his girlfriend were taken into custody to assist with ongoing inquiries.

Police authorities are continuing efforts to recover the missing rifle and are working with local residents and hunters in the area as the search continues.