Deputy Superintendent of NSCDC arrested after firing shots at Kubwa market in Abuja

On 28 October 2026, police in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory responded to a distress call reporting a man firing a pistol into the air at Kubwa market in Abuja. The individual was identified as Deputy Superintendent of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Onoja Samuel. Police operatives from the Kubwa Division arrived at the scene around 1:50 p.m., disarmed the suspect and placed him in custody.

According to statements from the FCT Police Public Relations Officer and the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, preliminary investigations indicated that Samuel had gone to the market armed after learning that some traders had assaulted his wife. During an argument with the traders, he allegedly fired several rounds into the air. Officers recovered a CZ‑brand pistol and 17 live 9 mm rounds from Samuel during the arrest. He remains in police custody and will be charged after the investigation concludes.

Background

The incident occurred in the Kubwa area of Abuja, a district that has previously seen tensions between security personnel and local traders. The NSCDC, a paramilitary agency tasked with civil defence and security, often works alongside the police in the capital. In this case, the FCT Police Command highlighted the need for coordination between sister security agencies, noting that Samuel’s actions could have escalated into a broader clash. The commissioner, Ahmed Sanusi, urged all security operatives to notify the relevant police divisions before conducting authorised operations within the FCT, a reminder of past incidents where lack of communication led to confrontations.

Why it matters

The arrest underscores the importance of clear operational protocols among Nigeria’s security agencies, particularly in densely populated market areas where civilian safety is paramount. Traders and residents of Kubwa market were directly affected by the gunfire, which could have caused injuries or panic. The recovery of a firearm and ammunition from a senior NSCDC officer raises concerns about weapon control and the conduct of security personnel. The commissioner’s call for restraint and better coordination aims to prevent similar incidents that could undermine public confidence in law‑enforcement agencies.

What happens next

The police have indicated that Samuel will be charged in court once the investigation is complete. The FCT Police Command has not announced a specific timeline for the legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the commissioner’s appeal for improved inter‑agency communication suggests that authorities may review existing protocols to avoid future clashes. No further statements from the NSCDC or the officer’s legal representatives have been reported.