The Senate Public Accounts Committee interrogated Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday over the disappearance of 178,459 firearms and allegations of N1.1bn contract splitting within the Nigeria Police Force.
Egbetokun, who had previously missed Senate invitations, apologized and introduced Assistant Inspector General Abdul Sulaiman as his representative for future engagements. The committee, led by Senator Abdul Ningi, accepted his apology but stressed the importance of accountability.
The 2019 Auditor General’s report revealed that tens of thousands of firearms—mostly AK-47 rifles—were missing, raising fears that they may have fallen into criminal hands. Senators linked the surge in insecurity to the missing weapons, demanding answers.
AIG Sulaiman attributed some losses to armed robberies and attacks on officers, but a review showed only 15 cases involved officers losing guns in the line of duty. Under scrutiny, he requested more time to submit a full report.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole dismissed the police’s explanations, insisting that those responsible be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. “The law must apply to all—officers who lost these weapons must face justice,” he declared.
Beyond the missing arms, the committee also investigated the alleged contract splitting scandal, which violates Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act. The IGP has been ordered to reappear on January 17, 2025, with a comprehensive report on both issues.
