The Taraba State Police Command has detained a serving police inspector and his girlfriend following the reported disappearance of a loaded Type 06 assault rifle along the Wukari–Jootar Federal Highway. The incident, which occurred on December 25, 2025, has prompted an intensive investigation amid concerns over potential arms proliferation to criminal elements in the region.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the missing firearm belonged to Inspector Joshua Charles, aged 45, attached to the Safer Highway Patrol team. On December 25 at approximately 3:00 p.m., Charles allegedly left his duty post for Wukari town, leaving three colleagues—Inspectors Haruna Galadima, Isah Waziri, and Umar Mohammed—on patrol. Later, at around 8:30 p.m., his girlfriend, Ruth Alphancis from Sabon Gari in Jalingo (who has cohabited with him since August 2025), returned from Jootar village in neighboring Benue State and reported seeing an unidentified person fleeing their residence.
Upon Charles's return—reportedly in an intoxicated state—he discovered the rifle, loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition, missing from the room where he claimed to have left it. The breach number remains unconfirmed.
Both Charles and Alphancis were immediately detained to assist with investigations. Police operatives visited the scene, and efforts involving local residents and hunters are underway to recover the weapon. No official statement from the Taraba Police Command has been issued, but sources indicate the case highlights risks of unsecured service weapons amid regional insecurity.
The incident raises broader concerns about arms leakage fueling banditry and kidnapping in Taraba and adjoining states. As investigations continue, authorities emphasize collaborative measures to trace the rifle and prevent misuse.
