The Nigeria Police Force has shot down media reports alleging the Senate was probing the disappearance of 3,907 firearms from armouries nationwide.
A press release by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the news as misleading and inaccurate.
At a Senate hearing on Monday, a 2019 report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF), indicated that 3,907 arms categorised as unaccounted for.
The Police Force clarified that these discrepancies primarily stemmed from operational challenges during periods of civil unrest, where officers were tragically killed and their weapons looted from armouries.
“While acknowledging the unfortunate loss of arms during attacks on police facilities and other incidents, we emphasize that rigorous efforts have been made to recover and account for these firearms,” stated ACP Adejobi.
The Force stressed its adherence to strict internal auditing procedures outlined in Police Regulations and standard operating procedures, aimed at ensuring comprehensive accountability of all armaments.
The statement further said that audits often did not reflect real-time armoury statuses due to the temporary issuance of weapons to personnel for operational needs, spanning extended periods.
This operational reality occasionally leads to discrepancies during audit assessments, contributing to misunderstandings regarding the completeness of inventory records.
In response to the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ scrutiny of the issue, scheduled for February 17, 2025, the Police Force reiterated its commitment to transparency.
He said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) briefly appeared before the committee on February 11, 2025, addressing queries related to periods predating his administration.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in combating the proliferation of misinformation, which undermines our efforts to maintain national security and public trust,” emphasised ACP Adejobi.
He urged the public to disregard sensationalized reports that seek to tarnish the Force’s reputation, reaffirming their dedication to safeguarding the nation and maintaining accountability in all operational matters.
