T he Senate Public Accounts Committee has raised serious concerns over financial irregularities and the disappearance of over 3,900 firearms from the Nigeria Police Force, including AK-47 rifles feared to be in criminal hands.
During a review of the Auditor-General’s report, lawmakers uncovered eight major violations linked to the police, including irregular contract awards amounting to ₦1.136 billion. However, the most alarming revelation was the unaccounted-for firearms, a development that has heightened fears about worsening insecurity in the country.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (Budget), Abdul Suleiman, appeared before the committee to address the audit queries and assured lawmakers that the police had responded appropriately to all concerns raised. However, tensions flared when some senators demanded an executive session to discuss the issue privately, while others insisted on full transparency.
Senator Victor Umeh was among those who strongly criticized the police for failing to recover the missing weapons, arguing that such a massive loss posed a significant threat to national security.
“Thousands of AK-47s are missing at a time when insecurity is at its peak. If over 3,900 rifles are unaccounted for, our security is compromised,” he said.
The committee chair pressed the AIG for details on the missing weapons, emphasizing that the issue could not be overlooked. However, Suleiman urged discretion, stating that sensitive security matters should not be discussed in public.
“The police will not allow these weapons to go missing at any cost, but this is a security matter best discussed privately,” he argued.
Despite his plea, most senators pushed for greater transparency, emphasizing the need for accountability in the management of public resources and national security assets.
With the rising wave of insecurity across Nigeria, the revelation has sparked nationwide concern, with many questioning how such a large number of firearms could disappear without a trace. The Senate committee has vowed to intensify its investigation and ensure that those responsible for the financial irregularities and missing weapons are held accountable.
0 Comments