Police arrest NSCDC officer for firing gun at Abuja market - Punch Newspapers
The NSCDC officer. Credit: FCT police
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a Deputy Superintendent of Corps with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Onoja Samuel, for allegedly firing shots into the air during a confrontation with traders at a market in the Kubwa area of Abuja. According to the police, Samuel had gone to the market armed with a pistol following reports that some traders had assaulted his wife. In a statement on Wednesday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said operatives attached to the Kubwa Police Division were promptly deployed to the scene and arrested the suspect after disarming him. “On 25th October, 2026, at about 1:50 pm, a distress call was received at Kubwa Police Division reporting that an unidentified man, armed with a pistol, was firing sporadically into the air at a market in Kubwa, Abuja. “Upon receipt of the report, Police operatives attached to Kubwa Division were promptly deployed to the scene. Following concerted efforts, the suspect was successfully disarmed and arrested.Make PUNCH part of your everyday experience.Add us to your Preferred Sources “Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as one Onoja Samuel, a Deputy Superintendent of Corps with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Oluremi Tinubu urges churches to promote dignity Niger miners’ death scene washed before probe — Panel chair AU accredits Nigeria’s counter-terrorism centre as regional hub “Further findings revealed that the suspect had gone to the market armed with a pistol following reports that some traders had assaulted his wife. During an ensuing argument with the traders, he fired several shots into the air, ” Adeh said. Recovered gun. Credit: FCT police The police spokesperson said a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition were recovered from the suspect during his arrest. She added that the NSCDC officer remained in police custody and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, urged personnel of sister security agencies to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for areas where they intend to conduct authorised operations. “Operatives of sister security agencies are urged to exercise restraint and notify the Police Divisions responsible for the areas in which they intend to conduct sanctioned operations within the FCT, to ensure proper coordination and prevent avoidable clashes,” he said. Solomon Odeniyi Solomon Odeniyi is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over six years of professional experience. He has covered key national beats including the judiciary, military, and police, and currently reports on anti-corruption and related issues. Solomon’s work reflects a strong commitment to development-oriented reporting, public interest journalism, and accountability.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
ATTENTION NIGERIANS: You can now comfortably earn US Dollars when you acquire premium domains for as low as $3000 and profit $15,000-$35,000. Ideal for professionals like Entrepreneurs, Doctors, Civil/Public servants, IT Experts, Accountants ETC. CLICK HERE TO START.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!
Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.
