The Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) has summoned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over concerns surrounding 178,459 missing firearms and allegations of contract splitting amounting to N1.1 billion within the Nigeria Police Force.
During the session held on Tuesday, IGP Egbetokun apologized for missing previous invitations, citing the demands of his office. To ensure continued engagement, he introduced Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Abdul Sulaiman, in charge of Police Accounts, as his official representative before the committee.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), on behalf of the committee, accepted the IGP’s apology, emphasizing that his appearance reaffirmed the principle that no individual is above the law.
Missing Firearms: A Major Security Threat
The investigation was based on findings from the 2019 Auditor General’s report, presented to the Senate Committee by Samuel Godwin on behalf of Shaakaa Chira. The report revealed alarming discrepancies in police armories across the country.
“As of December 2018, a total of 178,459 firearms were unaccounted for, including 88,078 AK-47 rifles. Additionally, as of January 2020, at least 3,907 assorted rifles and pistols remained missing,” the report stated.
The Senate raised concerns that these missing weapons could be fueling criminal activities, exacerbating Nigeria’s already fragile security situation. Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) linked the country’s rising insecurity to the missing arms, warning that both civilians and law enforcement officers were at risk.
“If this number of firearms has fallen into the wrong hands, we are all in danger—including the police. These weapons were procured with taxpayers’ money, and Nigerians deserve to know what happened to them,” Nwebonyi stated.
Police Response Under Scrutiny
Representing the IGP, AIG Sulaiman explained that some of the firearms were lost during robberies and violent attacks on police officers. However, a review of police records showed that out of the 3,907 officially documented missing weapons, only 15 cases involved officers who lost their firearms due to injury or death.
Under intense scrutiny, AIG Sulaiman insisted that no firearm was unaccounted for and requested additional time to submit a detailed report.
“To me, no firearm is unaccounted for. We appeal to the committee for more time, and we will provide a full report,” he said.
However, this response did not sit well with the committee members. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) demanded accountability and called for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted.
“The least we expect is for the police to track the missing firearms and hold those responsible accountable. Officers found culpable must be arrested and publicly paraded, just as the police do with ordinary Nigerians. There should be no double standards in this country,” Oshiomhole declared.
Contract Splitting Allegations
Beyond the missing firearms, the Senate Committee also scrutinized the police force over eight audit queries, including an allegation of N1.1 billion in contract splitting. This practice, which involves breaking down large contracts into smaller amounts to bypass procurement regulations, violates Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act.
The committee directed the police to submit a comprehensive report explaining the irregular contract awards flagged by the Auditor General’s report.
Next Steps: IGP Summoned Again
The Senate Committee has mandated the IGP to reappear before it on Monday, January 17, 2025, with a full report detailing both the missing firearms and the alleged contract irregularities.
As the investigation continues, Nigerians await answers regarding the whereabouts of the missing weapons and whether those responsible will be brought to justice.
Stay updated with Hobnob News for more developments on this unfolding story.
