Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has urged the senate to conduct its investigation into the missing 3,907 firearms behind closed doors. His request was contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the plenary on Thursday, February 13,
The Senate committee on public accounts had, on Tuesday, February 11, questioned the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over the missing firearms, following revelations from the 2019 auditor-general’s report that certain weapons and ammunition had disappeared from the police armoury. In response, Egbetokun nominated Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Suleiman Abdul to address the concerns, but lawmakers found his explanation unsatisfactory. Abdul had requested an executive session, but the majority of committee members rejected the proposal.
In his letter, Egbetokun commended the senate for initiating the investigation but insisted that future discussions should be held privately to avoid misleading the public. “This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security,” he said.
He stressed that an open discussion of the matter could create a “wrong impression” both locally and internationally, urging the Senate to conduct subsequent engagements with the police in an executive session.
“This will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interests. It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding,” he added.
Akpabio, after reading the letter, stated that the senate would proceed with the probe, noting that the IGP’s concerns had been acknowledged.
Meanwhile, the force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, clarified that some of the missing ammunition was lost during civil unrest and not under the tenure of the current IGP.