IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Senate has expressed deep concern over the disappearance of 3,907 assault rifles from police formations across the country.
During a session before the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC), Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Suleiman Abdul, struggled to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the missing weapons.
According to the Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF), Mr. Olu Samuel Godwin, a 2019 audit report revealed disturbing findings.
A review of arms movement registers and inventory records indicated that by December 2018, a staggering 178,459 firearms had been reported lost, including 88,078 AK-47 rifles. Additionally, by January 2020, 3,907 assorted rifles and pistols were unaccounted for across various police formations.
The report further disclosed discrepancies in police records. For instance, the 21 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, Abuja, claimed no missing weapons, yet an independent audit found 46 missing firearms between 2000 and 2019.
The absence of proper documentation, such as Treasury Form 146 (Loss of Stores), raised further concerns about accountability.
During the hearing, the Police requested a closed-door meeting, but senators insisted on a public session, emphasizing the committee’s role in ensuring transparency.
Senator Peter Nwebonyi, Deputy Chairman of SPAC, rejected the Police’s explanation that many officers involved were no longer at headquarters.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) also criticized the Police’s response, warning that the unaccounted-for firearms could be fueling insecurity.
“The attempt to hide under security concerns is unacceptable,” Oshiomhole stated. “How can nearly 4,000 weapons, procured with taxpayers’ money, just disappear? If officers were responsible, they must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.”
SPAC has now directed the Police to return next Monday with a more detailed defense or risk having the audit query upheld.
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