Policeman, 2 Others Nabbed with Firearm, Drugs in Nasarawa as Gas Explosion Injures 3 in FCT
In separate incidents highlighting security and safety challenges within the North-Central region, the Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a serving police officer and two others for illegal possession of firearms and hard drugs, while a gas tanker explosion in Abuja’s Life Camp area injured three individuals and damaged property.
The arrest in Nasarawa occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, during a coordinated operation by the Surveillance Patrol Team targeting criminal hideouts in Keffi town.
Police sources confirmed that operatives intercepted three men riding a TVS motorcycle without a registration number. A search revealed a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and substances suspected to be hard drugs, specifically “ice.”
The suspects were identified as Constable John Emmanuel, attached to the 21 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Nyanya, Abuja; Jonathan Ezekiel of Anguwan Zakara, Keffi; and Mohammed Adamu.
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“Preliminary investigations suggest a possible case of criminal conspiracy and illegal possession of firearms and narcotics,” said a police source. The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, earlier on the same day at about 1:05 p.m., a gas tanker explosion at the AYM Shafa Gas Station in Life Camp, Abuja, injured three persons and damaged nearby structures.
According to police sources, the explosion occurred while the tanker was discharging gas. The vehicle suddenly caught fire and exploded, triggering panic in the area.
Emergency response units, including police patrol teams, Federal Fire Service, and Julius Berger safety personnel, were immediately deployed to the scene. Community volunteers also assisted in extinguishing the fire and preventing further spread.
“No lives were lost, but three individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital,” a source confirmed.
The explosion also destroyed the gas tanker and affected a nearby building, although the full extent of property damage has yet to be determined. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Authorities have commended the swift response by emergency agencies and advised residents to remain calm while observing all safety protocols, especially around flammable substances.
By PRNigeria
