3,900 Missing Guns, Contract Fraud Rock Nigeria Police; Senate Angry
The Senate Public Accounts Committee has expressed serious concern over contract fraud, missing firearms, and other irregularities discovered within the Nigeria Police Force.
During a review of the Auditor-General’s report, senators uncovered eight major infractions in police operations, including the disappearance of 3,900 firearms—many of which were AK-47 rifles—and contract irregularities amounting to ₦1.136 billion.
The revelation of the missing rifles, described by one senator as “scary,” shocked lawmakers, who immediately demanded explanations from police authorities regarding their whereabouts.
Senators Clash Over Investigation
As tensions rose, Assistant Inspector General of Police (Budget), Abdul Suleiman, attempted to reassure lawmakers that the police had addressed the audit queries. However, his response did not sit well with some senators, who demanded clearer answers on the missing firearms—especially at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe insecurity.
A heated debate ensued, leading Senator Ningi to propose an executive session to discuss the matter privately. However, disagreement over this approach caused further friction, and he eventually walked out of the meeting.
Despite calls for a closed-door session, the committee chairman insisted that the AIG disclose the status of the missing firearms, citing national security concerns. In response, the AIG urged discretion, stating, “The police will not allow these weapons to go missing at any cost, but this is a security matter best discussed privately.”
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
Many senators rejected the plea for secrecy, insisting on public accountability. Senator Victor Umeh strongly criticized the police for failing to recover the missing weapons amid escalating insecurity.
“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. 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,” Umeh argued.
A voice vote favored continuing the session publicly.
In their defense, police officials claimed that many of the missing weapons were linked to officers killed in action, with their firearms stolen. They insisted that no arms were truly unaccounted for.
However, the committee remained dissatisfied with the explanation and subsequently summoned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to appear before it on Monday for further clarification.
One frustrated senator questioned the logic behind the police’s defense, asking, “How can they justify that 3,900 firearms are missing—how?”
The controversy continues as the Senate demands full accountability on the missing weapons and the alleged contract fraud within the Nigeria Police Force.
