Senate Raises Alarm Over 4,000 Missing Police Firearms

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

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

During an investigative hearing of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, lawmakers criticized the police for failing to trace the missing weapons and apprehend those responsible.

Concerns were raised that these firearms may have fallen into the wrong hands, worsening the country’s security crisis.

Senators cited previous reports of security personnel selling arms to criminals, stressing that transparency is crucial.

They also questioned the failure of some police commands to report losses and complete the required Treasury Form 146, which documents missing arms for accountability purposes.

The Senate 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 also demanded that officers responsible be identified, investigated, and prosecuted if necessary.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole shared a personal experience in the assassination of his aide, highlighting the real-life consequences of missing firearms.

The Senate has now tasked the police with providing a detailed report on the missing firearms, including the names of officers involved, actions taken, and measures to prevent future occurrences.

In response,the Police stated that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regularly audits firearms and that the force is committed to ensuring no weapon gets missing.

However, lawmakers insisted on a clear and public explanation of the missing firearms, especially in light of recent security concerns across the country.

James Itodo, Edited By Grace Namiji