The Senate Public Accounts Committee, on Tuesday, quizzed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over concerns regarding 178,459 missing firearms and allegations of N1.1bn contract splitting within the Nigeria Police Force.

During his appearance, Egbetokun apologised for failing to honour previous invitations, explaining that the demands of his office prevented his attendance.

To ensure compliance in future engagements, Egbetokun introduced Assistant Inspector General of Police Abdul Sulaiman, in charge of Police Accounts, as his official representative before the committee.

His apology was accepted by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) on behalf of the committee, who emphasised that the IGP’s appearance reaffirmed that no one is above the law.

The 2019 Auditor General’s report, presented to the Senate Committee by Samuel Godwin on behalf of Shaakaa Chira, revealed that 178,459 firearms, mostly AK-47 rifles, were missing from police formations nationwide.

“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 expressed concerns that firearms meant for law enforcement could have fallen into the hands of criminals, worsening Nigeria’s security situation.

Reacting to the report, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) linked the rising insecurity in Nigeria to the missing weapons, warning that the safety of both citizens and the police was 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.”

Representing the IGP, AIG Sulaiman explained that some weapons were lost during robbery incidents, while others were seized by criminals after attacks on policemen.

However, a review of police records by the committee revealed that out of 3,907 firearms officially listed as missing, only 15 cases involved officers who died or sustained injuries while losing their weapons.

Under intense questioning, AIG Sulaiman appealed for more time to provide a comprehensive report on the missing firearms.

“To me, no firearm is unaccounted for. We appeal to the committee for more time, and we will submit a full report,” he said.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the police’s response, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) insisted that the officers responsible must 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 also questioned the police over eight audit queries, including an allegation of N1.1bn in contract splitting—a violation of Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act.

The police were directed to provide detailed explanations regarding irregular contract awards flagged in the Auditor General’s report.

The Senate Committee has mandated the IGP to reappear before it on Monday, January 17, 2025, with a detailed report on both the missing firearms and the contract irregularities.