The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun has requested that the Senate conduct its investigation into the disappearance of 3,907 firearms behind closed doors, citing national security concerns.
In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Egbetokun expressed appreciation for the Legislature’s commitment to a thorough probe but stressed the need for confidentiality to prevent misinformation and security risks.
He said; “We appreciate the Senate committee’s efforts in investigating the alleged missing firearms. However, we urge that future hearings on sensitive security matters be held in camera to avoid creating a wrong impression among Nigerians and the international community.”
The IGP assured lawmakers of his commitment to cooperation, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the National Assembly to enhance national security and public safety.
Senate President Akpabio acknowledged the IGP’s request, affirming that investigations would proceed both internally within the police and externally by the Senate.
The controversy surrounding the missing firearms stems from the 2019 Audit Report by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF), which revealed that as of January 2020, the NPF had failed to account for 3,907 assault rifles.
During a Senate committee hearing, representatives from the Auditor General’s office presented the findings, prompting intense scrutiny from lawmakers. The police delegation, led by AIG Suleiman Abdul, struggled to provide satisfactory explanations for the missing weapons.
Faced with tough questioning, AIG Abdul requested a closed-door session, but the majority of committee members rejected the plea. Instead, the committee directed the police team to refine their responses and reconvene next Monday at noon, emphasising that the issue would not be swept under the rug.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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