The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has raised concerns over the alleged disappearance of 3,907 rifles from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) armory, as flagged in the 2019 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF).
During its session on Tuesday, the committee summoned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who delegated Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Suleiman Abdul to respond to the inquiry. However, senators found Abdul’s explanations unsatisfactory and demanded full accountability for the missing weapons.
Senators Reject Closed-Door Hearing
Abdul requested a private executive session to discuss the matter, but the committee, led by Deputy Chairman Peter Nwaebonyi, rejected the request.
“This is a public accounts committee that operates with transparency. In the United States, similar proceedings are televised live. The response to the missing firearms must be given openly,” Nwaebonyi stated.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North added that the police, known for publicly parading suspects, should also publicly disclose details about the missing firearms, including those responsible and recovery efforts.
Police Leadership to Reappear Before Senate
Following hours of deliberation, the committee ordered the police leadership to reappear on Monday to continue the probe and provide concrete answers regarding the missing weapons.
