Police nab NSCDC officer for shooting in Abuja market

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a Deputy Superintendent of 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.

PUNCH Metro learnt that 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, 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 p.m., 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.

“Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as one Onoja Samuel, a deputy superintendent of the Corps with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

• AU accredits Nigeria’s counter-terrorism centre as regional hub
• Exporters risk jail for drugs in consignments, NDLEA warns
• SSANU women seek equal opportunities, greater role in university leadership

“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.

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 in court after investigations conclude.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, 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 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.