The Senate Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday questioned Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun over 178,459 missing guns and claims of N1.1 billion in contract splitting within the Nigeria Police Force.
During his presence, Egbetokun apologized for failing to fulfill earlier invitations, claiming that his office’s demands prohibited him from attending.
To ensure compliance in future engagements, Egbetokun designated Assistant Inspector General of Police Abdul Sulaiman, in charge of Police Accounts, as his official representative before the committee.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) accepted his apology on behalf of the committee, emphasizing that the IGP’s appearance reaffirmed the principle that no one is above the law.
The 2019 Auditor General’s report, given to the Senate Committee by Samuel Godwin on behalf of Shaakaa Chira, stated that 178,459 guns, primarily AK-47 rifles, were missing from police formations around 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 voiced concern that weaponry intended for law enforcement may have fallen into the hands of criminals, aggravating Nigeria’s security situation.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) responded to the revelation by linking rising insecurity in Nigeria to lost guns, warning that both people and police were at risk.
“If this number of firearms is in the hands of enemies, we are not safe. Even the police themselves are not safe. These weapons were procured with taxpayers’ money, and Nigerians deserve to know what happened to them.”
AIG Sulaiman, representing the IGP, revealed that some guns were lost during robberies, while others were taken by criminals following attacks on police officers.
However, the committee’s study of police records indicated that just 15 of the 3,907 firearms officially classified as missing involved cops who died or were injured while losing their weapons.
Under intensive interrogation, AIG Sulaiman requested additional time to prepare a full report on the missing guns.
“To me, no firearm is unaccounted for. We appeal to the committee for more time, and we will submit a full report,” he said.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) expressed disappointment with the police response, insisting that the personnel responsible be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
“The least we expect is for you to tell us that the arms have been traced to officers who were responsible. They must be arrested and paraded—just as the police do to ordinary Nigerians. There should be no two sets of laws in this country.
“These arms were procured to protect Nigerians, yet they have ended up in unknown hands. The police must account for them, and those responsible must face the law. We will not waive this issue.”
In addition to the missing firearms, the committee questioned the police on eight audit issues, including an allegation of N1.1 billion in contract splitting—a breach of Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act.
The police were asked to offer thorough explanations for the questionable contract awards identified in the Auditor General’s report.
The Senate Committee has directed the IGP to appear before it again on Monday, January 17, 2025, with a complete report on both the lost firearms and the contract violations.
