The Senate Public Accounts Committee has expressed concern over the disappearance of 3,900 firearms, including AK-47 rifles, and ₦1.136 billion in contract irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force, following findings from the Auditor-General’s report.
Among the infractions flagged were contract irregularities worth ₦1.136 billion and the disappearance of over 3,900 firearms, including AK-47 rifles.
Lawmakers fear these weapons may have fallen into the hands of criminal groups.
Assistant Inspector General of Police (Budget), Abdul Suleiman, assured the committee that responses had been provided to the audit queries.
However, tensions rose when some lawmakers clashed over whether to discuss the matter privately.
Senator Ningi, who called for a closed-door session, walked out after his proposal was rejected.
Senator Victor Umeh criticised the police for failing to recover the missing weapons, stating that the force should be more accountable amid rising insecurity.
The police explained that some of the weapons were lost during attacks on officers, but the committee found this response unsatisfactory.
“If nearly 4,000 rifles are unaccounted for, public safety is at stake. The police must provide clear answers instead of dismissing concerns as a ‘security issue,’” he stated.
The Inspector General of Police has now been summoned to appear before the committee on Monday for further questioning.
