The Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) has raised concerns over multiple irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), including financial mismanagement and the disappearance of over 3,900 firearms, including AK-47 rifles feared to be in the hands of criminals.
During a review of the Auditor-General’s report, lawmakers uncovered eight infractions against the police, including contract irregularities amounting to ₦1.136 billion and the unaccounted disappearance of firearms.
Dispute Over Handling of Missing Firearms
In response to the allegations, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Budget, Abdul Suleiman, assured lawmakers that the police had provided appropriate responses to the audit queries.
However, tensions flared when Senator Abdul Ningi called for an executive session to discuss the sensitive matter privately but later stormed out when some lawmakers opposed the motion.
The committee chairman, backed by Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Joel Onawakpo-Thomas, insisted that the AIG disclose the whereabouts of the missing firearms, stressing that the matter was of national importance.
“Thousands of AK-47s are missing at a time when insecurity is at its peak,” Senator Umeh stated. “The police should have traced these weapons. If over 3,900 rifles are unaccounted for, it means our security is compromised. Claiming it’s a ‘security issue’ without providing answers only raises more concerns.”
Police Call for Discretion
The AIG pleaded for confidentiality, arguing that discussions on the police’s firepower should not be made public.
“The police will not allow these weapons to go missing at any cost, but this is a security matter best discussed privately,” he said.
The police also explained that some of the missing weapons were taken by criminals after officers were killed in action, insisting that no arms were truly unaccounted for.
Senate Unconvinced, Summons IGP
Despite the explanations, the Senate Public Accounts Committee expressed dissatisfaction, demanding further clarification. The committee has summoned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to appear on Monday for further questioning.
