Nigerian Senate raises concern over 4,000 missing Police Firearms

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Senate has expressed worry over the whereabout of at least 4,000 firearms, which includes AK-47 rifles, from the Nigeria Police Force.

This sequel to a revelation during a public hearing by the Public Accounts Committee, during an audit report which highlights discrepancies in the police armory records between 2000 and 2020.

During an investigative hearing of the Senate Public Accounts Committee in Abuja ,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 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.

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 weapons go missing.

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