The Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) has raised serious concerns over the disappearance of more than 3,900 firearms from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), a revelation that has sparked heated debate among lawmakers and heightened fears over national security.
During a review of the Auditor-General’s report, the committee uncovered several financial and operational irregularities within the police force, including contract mismanagement worth ₦1.136 billion. However, the missing firearms, primarily AK-47 rifles, became the most pressing issue, raising questions about accountability and security lapses.
Police Response Sparks Controversy
Assistant Inspector General of Police (Budget), Abdul Suleiman, represented the police at the hearing, defending the force’s handling of the audit queries. However, when pressed about the whereabouts of the missing firearms, he urged discretion, emphasizing that the matter was too sensitive for public discussion.
“The police will not allow these weapons to go missing at any cost, but this is a security matter best discussed privately,” Suleiman stated.
His request for a closed-door session was met with strong resistance from several senators, including Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Joel Onawakpo-Thomas, who insisted that security concerns should not override public accountability.
“Thousands of AK-47s are missing at a time when insecurity is at its peak. The police should have been able to trace these arms,” Umeh argued.
“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.”
Tensions Rise as Lawmakers Reject Secret Hearing
As tensions escalated, Senator Abdul Ningi called for an executive session to discuss the issue privately. However, a majority voice vote rejected the request, keeping the proceedings public. In frustration, Ningi stormed out of the session.
In a subsequent statement, the police force attempted to clarify the situation, stating that some of the missing weapons belonged to officers who died in the line of duty and that no firearms had been deliberately unaccounted for.
Senate Rejects Police Explanation, Summons IGP
Unconvinced by the police’s response, the Senate committee rejected their explanation and has now summoned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to appear on Monday for further questioning.
This development has intensified concerns over how the missing weapons may be fueling criminal activities across the country, with lawmakers demanding urgent reforms in police record-keeping and arms management.
With rising insecurity across Nigeria, the Senate’s scrutiny of missing police firearms signals a push for greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
