Police arrest NSCDC officer over shooting at Kubwa market

By Kingsley Omonobi The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a Deputy Superintendent of Corps with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over alleged sporadic shooting at a market in Kubwa, Abuja. The police said a pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition were recovered from the suspect, identified as Onoja Samuel.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the incident occurred at about 1:50 p.m. on October 25, 2026, following a distress call reporting that a man armed with a pistol was firing into the air at the market. Adeh said operatives attached to the Kubwa Police Division were promptly deployed to the scene and, after concerted efforts, disarmed and arrested the suspect.

“Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as one Onoja Samuel, a Deputy Superintendent of Corps with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),” she said. According to the police, preliminary findings indicated that the suspect went 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.

She added that the suspect remained in police custody and would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations. The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, CP Ahmed Muhammed 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 within the territory.

The command said the measure was necessary to improve operational coordination and prevent avoidable clashes. Residents can contact the FCT Police Command on 08032003913 or 08061581938 for emergencies.