The residence of Ghana’s ambassador to Nigeria was burglarized earlier this month in one of Abuja’s most affluent neighborhoods, prompting a police investigation and raising questions about the security of diplomatic properties in the nation’s capital.

According to Nigerian officials and eyewitness accounts, the intruders breached the perimeter of the ambassador’s official residence in Maitama in the early hours of July 11, removing sections of protective wire fencing before forcing entry through a rear door. Items reported stolen include two plasma television sets, gas cylinders, and two bags of rice.

The incident occurred during a brief power outage, a domestic staff member told local press. After switching on a backup generator around 2 a.m., the staffer said he restored power and returned inside—only to discover several hours later that a window and the back door had been tampered with. He later alerted an on-site police officer.

“When I went to inspect the property at 5 a.m., I noticed a window was open and one of the iron rods had been removed,” the staff member recounted. “That’s when I found the back door ajar and saw the fence had been cut.”

Officials from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the incident and described it as an active criminal investigation. “It was a burglary issue that happened last week. The police have started investigation,” said Kimiebi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for the ministry.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has also weighed in. Spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed that the Commissioner of Police had visited the residence personally. “We are investigating the matter thoroughly,” she said.

The breach has sparked renewed scrutiny of diplomatic security in Abuja, especially in Maitama—a neighborhood known for housing foreign embassies, international officials, and top-ranking government figures.

No suspects have yet been publicly identified. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible.