The Nigerian House of Representatives is to investigate the alleged missing firearms and ammunition of the Police Force and other security agencies, believed to be fueling insecurity in the country.
It also called for the prosecution of all found responsible for the missing of the arms and ammunition, both within the security circle and the general public.
These followed a unanimous adoption of an amended motion under matters of urgent public importance on the urgent need to investigate the allegation contained in the 2019 report of the Auditor General of the Federation.
Presenting the motion, Mr. Toby Okechukwu, from Enugu State expressed concern about the alleged missing of over One Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand, different types of arms and ammunition of the Police Force, which could fall into wrong hands.
“Worried that the value of the lost firearms could not be ascertained because no document relating to their cost of acquisition was presented for examination.
Mindful of the worsening state of security, kidnapping and banditry in the country and concerned that the missing arms could have found their ways into the wrong hands.
Also mindful that Nigeria did not undertake any war in recent times.” Mr. Okechuwku argued.
While adopting the motion, the House call on the Inspector General of Police to take urgent actions to apprehend those culpable for the depletion of the armory.
The House also mandate its committee on Public Accounts and Adhoc Committee investigating the arms purchase and utilisation to investigate the matter.
Media report recently reveal that the 2019 report of the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation alleged disappearance of about 178,459 different arms and ammunition of the Nigeria Police Force in 2019.
The report also indicated that the audit of Arms Movement Register, Monthly Returns of Arms and Ammunition and Ammunition Register at the Armory Section reveals that a total number of lost firearms as at December 2018 stood at 178,459 pieces, out of which, 88,078 were AK-47 rifles, 3,907 assorted rifles and pistols across different police formations, which could not be accounted for as at January 2020.
Dominica Nwabufo
