The Nigeria Police Force found itself under intense scrutiny from the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) regarding alarming discrepancies in its firearms inventory and financial transactions. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, initially absent from previous summonses, ultimately appeared before the committee, offering an apology for his prior non-attendance. His absence, attributed to pressing official duties, had drawn a stern warning from the committee chairman, Senator Ahmed Wadada, who had threatened an arrest warrant. Egbetokun’s appearance, according to Senator Abdul Ningi, underscored the principle of accountability and that no individual, regardless of position, is above the law. To ensure consistent representation in future proceedings, Egbetokun introduced Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Abdul Sulaiman, head of Police Accounts, as his designated representative.
The core issue brought before the committee was the alleged disappearance of a staggering 178,459 firearms, as revealed by the 2019 audit report of the Auditor General of the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira. This alarming figure, predominantly comprised of AK-47 rifles (88,078), raised serious concerns about the security implications of such a vast number of missing weapons. Furthermore, the audit report indicated an additional 3,907 firearms unaccounted for based on the arms movement register and firearm records. This revelation fueled anxieties among committee members, who linked the missing weaponry to the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation. Acting Committee Chairman, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, expressed grave concern, emphasizing that these missing firearms, procured with taxpayers’ money, pose a significant threat to both the public and the police force.
Representing the IGP, AIG Sulaiman, accompanied by other senior officers, attempted to provide explanations for the missing weaponry. Their initial justifications attributed the losses to robberies and incidents where officers were killed in the line of duty. However, the committee’s scrutiny of police records revealed a significant discrepancy: only 15 officers were documented as having lost their firearms due to death or injury, a stark contrast to the reported 3,907 unaccounted-for weapons. This discrepancy cast doubt on the police’s explanation and underscored the need for a more thorough investigation.
Faced with mounting pressure from the committee, AIG Sulaiman requested additional time to furnish a comprehensive report detailing the investigations and the current status of the missing firearms. His assertion that “no firearm is unaccounted for” was met with skepticism, highlighting the need for concrete evidence and accountability. The committee, unconvinced by the preliminary explanations, demanded a thorough investigation and a detailed report.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a member of the committee, expressed strong criticism of the police’s response, emphasizing the need for clear accountability and disciplinary action against officers responsible for the missing firearms. He stressed the importance of equal application of the law, arguing that police officers should be held to the same standards as ordinary citizens. Oshiomhole insisted on the recovery of the missing weapons or the prosecution of those responsible, highlighting the crucial need for transparency and accountability within the police force.
The committee, unsatisfied with the initial responses and the evident lack of concrete information, ordered the IGP to reappear before them on January 17, 2025. This directive underscores the committee’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind the missing firearms and holding those responsible accountable. The issue of the missing firearms, coupled with the audit query regarding contract splitting involving N1.1bn, underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force. This case highlights the critical role of oversight bodies like the Senate Public Accounts Committee in ensuring public funds are utilized responsibly and that security agencies are held accountable for their actions. The missing firearms represent a serious security concern, and their recovery is paramount to restoring public trust and addressing the escalating insecurity in the country.
