The Senate Committee on Public Accounts recently expressed alarm over 3,907 missing firearms, mainly AK-47 rifles, from the Nigerian Police Force. Subsequently, the Auditor General’s 2019-to-present report identified these weapons as unaccounted for. Consequently, lawmakers highlighted accountability during a Wednesday public session.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the committee’s vice chairman, stressed resolving the issue. He emphasized tracking the firearms for budget planning and national security.
“The Auditor General’s report shows 3,907 firearms missing,” Nwebonyi stated. While acknowledging losses from officers killed in duty, he noted 99% remain missing. Therefore, the committee summoned the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
On Tuesday, IGP Kayode Egbetokun delegated AIG Abdul Suleiman to address the committee. Suleiman admitted firearms were lost during attacks but claimed none were fully untracked. However, he urged secrecy, calling it a security-sensitive matter.
Despite this, senators rejected the explanation. Senators Victor Umeh and Joel Onawakpo-Thomas insisted transparency outweighs confidentiality. They demanded clear answers publicly.
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Consequently, the committee summoned the IGP to reappear Monday. Lawmakers stressed clarifying the weapons’ status to guide future budgets and police support.
“This is nationally critical,” Nwebonyi concluded. “We honor fallen officers but must account for every firearm and prevent future losses.”
The Senate ’s insistence on transparency reflects growing concerns over security challenges in Nigeria and the need for robust oversight in managing critical resources like firearms. The outcome of Monday’s session is expected to shed more light on the issue.
