The Senate Committee on Public Accounts is demanding a detailed explanation from Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun regarding the disappearance of 3,907 firearms from the Nigeria Police Force, as flagged by the Auditor General of the Federation.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and Vice Chairman of the committee, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the missing firearms must be properly accounted for to assist lawmakers in budgeting.
Nwebonyi acknowledged that some firearms were lost due to the deaths of officers responsible for them. However, he stressed that over 99 percent remain unaccounted for, which is why lawmakers have instructed the Assistant Inspector General, acting on behalf of the IGP, to conduct a thorough investigation and return with concrete facts.
He explained that the audit report under review covers 2019 to the present, revealing that the missing firearms, mostly AK-47 rifles, are within the Nigeria Police Force.
“When we probed further as to the whereabouts of these firearms, we discovered that some were lost due to the deaths of officers who paid the supreme price, and we should honor them as a nation. However, over 99 percent are unaccounted for, which is why we asked the AIG representing the IG to return with concrete details,” Nwebonyi stated.
He further highlighted the need for this information to guide budget allocations, emphasizing that while the police may require support to replace lost firearms, accountability is essential.
Naija News reports that IGP Egbetokun appeared before the Senate Committee on Tuesday but later excused himself, leaving Assistant Inspector General of Police (Budget), Abdul Suleiman, to respond to inquiries.
When pressed to disclose the location of the missing firearms, the AIG insisted that such matters should remain confidential, stating, “The police will not allow these weapons to go missing at any cost, but this is a security matter best discussed privately.”
Despite this, several lawmakers, including Senators Victor Umeh and Joel Onawakpo-Thomas, opposed holding a private session, stressing the importance of public accountability.
The police clarified that some of the firearms were taken after officers were killed in action but insisted that all arms were accounted for.
Dissatisfied with the explanations, the Senate Committee has summoned the IGP to appear again on Monday to provide further clarifications.