Senate Probes Disappearance Of 4,000 Police Firearms

The Nigerian Senate has raised concerns over the disappearance of approximately 4,000 firearms, including AK-47 rifles, from the Nigeria Police Force.

This alarm was raised during a hearing by the Public Accounts Committee, following an audit report that highlighted discrepancies in the police armory records between 2000 and 2020

Lawmakers criticized the police for failing to trace the missing weapons and apprehend those responsible. They expressed concerns that these firearms may have fallen into the wrong hands, exacerbating the country’s security crisis.

The Senate also cited previous reports of security personnel selling arms to criminals, emphasizing the need for transparency. They questioned the failure of some police commands to report losses and complete the required Treasury Form 146, which documents missing arms for accountability purposes.They insisted that the matter should be discussed openly, as taxpayers’ money was used to procure the firearms, and Nigerians have a right to know their whereabouts.

Some members of the committee pointed out that police officers who mishandle weapons should face the same scrutiny as civilians arrested for illegal arms possession. They demanded that officers responsible be identified, investigated, and prosecuted if necessary.

The lawmakers insisted that the matter be thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability and prevent further incidents.

In response, the Police stated that the  Inspector General of Police (IGP) regularly conducts audits to ensure that all firearms are accounted for.

The force therefore reiterated its commitment to preventing firearms from going missing, emphasizing its dedication to transparency and accountability.

James Itodo, Edited By Shakirah Alabi