Police Attorney General (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun urged the Senate to investigate 3,907 guns missing behind closed doors. His request was included in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session Thursday, February 13.
The Senate Public Accounts Committee questioned the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on Tuesday, February 11, after a 2019 auditor general’s report revealed that certain weapons and ammunition disappeared from police arsenal. In response, Egbetokun nominated Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Suleiman Abdul addressed these issues, but lawmakers found his explanation unsatisfactory. Abdul asked for an executive meeting, but most committee members rejected the proposal.
Egbetokun praised the Senate for launching the investigation but insisted that discussions should be made privately to avoid misleading the public. “This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security,” he said.
He stressed that public discussions on the matter could give a “false impression” locally and internationally, urging the Senate to engage in subsequent engagements with police at the executive meeting.
“This will help prevent misinformation from spreading and protect national security interests. This will also allow for more frank discussions and fact-finding,” he added.
After reading the letter, Akpabio said the Senate would conduct an investigation and pointed out that IGP’s concerns have been acknowledged.
Meanwhile, troops spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi clarified that some missing ammunition was lost during the civil unrest, rather than during the term of the current IGP.
