The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has vehemently refuted recent media reports alleging the disappearance of 3,907 firearms from its armouries, characterizing the claims as misleading and inaccurate. The controversy stems from a 2019 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which the NPF clarifies indicated that the firearms were “unaccounted for,” not “missing.” The force emphasizes that this terminology distinction is crucial and that the report reflects a snapshot of the situation before the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, assumed office. The NPF attributes the discrepancy to the operational nature of police work, explaining that firearms are routinely issued to officers for various deployments, which may lead to their absence from the armouries during audit checks.
The NPF’s statement comes in response to media reports detailing a Senate Public Accounts Committee hearing where concerns were raised about discrepancies in police armoury records. While the committee cited the 2019 audit report, alleging that a staggering 178,459 firearms, including 88,078 AK-47 rifles, were missing, the NPF maintains that these figures are outdated and do not represent the current state of their armouries. They further argue that the dynamic nature of police operations, where firearms are regularly assigned to officers in the field, can lead to temporary discrepancies during audits. This operational reality, coupled with the challenges posed by civil unrest and attacks on police formations, where officers have been killed and their weapons stolen, contributes to the complexities of firearms accounting.
The NPF acknowledges the loss of some firearms during periods of civil unrest and attacks on police formations but stresses that significant efforts are underway to recover these weapons, with a considerable number already retrieved. They emphasize that the context surrounding the loss of these firearms is crucial and that simply labeling them as “missing” misrepresents the circumstances. The force also clarified IGP Egbetokun’s role in the Senate hearing, stating that he only appeared briefly to address concerns about previous invitations and then excused himself, leaving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Accounts and Budget to respond to the audit queries. This clarification contradicts earlier reports that suggested the IGP was directly grilled about the missing firearms.
The NPF expresses deep concern over what it terms as the spread of misinformation aimed at eroding public trust in law enforcement. They argue that such misinformation can have severe repercussions, including jeopardizing public safety, damaging the reputation of the police force, and hindering its ability to maintain law and order. The force underscores the importance of accurate reporting and responsible dissemination of information, especially when it concerns sensitive matters like firearm management within a law enforcement agency. The postponement of further hearings by the Senate Committee to February 17, 2025, provides the NPF with the opportunity to reconcile any remaining discrepancies in the records and present a comprehensive and accurate account of their firearms inventory.
The NPF vehemently denies the alarming figures cited in the media, particularly the purported 178,459 missing firearms, including 88,078 AK-47 rifles. They assert that these figures do not reflect the reality of their current armoury status and stem from a misinterpretation of the 2019 audit report. The force reiterates that the report referred to firearms as “unaccounted for,” not “missing,” a critical distinction often overlooked in media reporting. They argue that the continued circulation of these misleading figures fuels public mistrust and hampers their efforts to maintain law and order. The NPF emphasizes its commitment to transparency and accountability in firearms management and calls for a more nuanced and informed public discourse on the matter.
The NPF stresses the need for responsible reporting and urges the media to exercise caution in disseminating information, particularly when dealing with sensitive security matters. They highlight the potential damage that misinformation can inflict on public trust and the overall effectiveness of law enforcement. The NPF reiterates its commitment to recovering any lost firearms and ensuring the proper management of its armoury. They view the upcoming Senate Committee hearings as an opportunity to clarify the situation, reconcile any discrepancies, and restore public confidence in their firearms management practices. The NPF believes that a collaborative approach, involving accurate reporting and open communication, is essential for fostering a healthy and productive relationship between law enforcement and the public.
