The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has written to the Senate requesting for an executive session with the senate panel on Public Accounts over the investigations into the 3,907 missing fire arms citing security reasons.
The IGP’s request aims to push back against the 2019 Audit Report by the Auditor-General for the Federation, which alleged that 3,907 assault rifles were either missing or unaccounted for in police armories as of January 2020.
In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Egbetokun appreciated the efforts of the Senate to conduct “thorough investigation” into the alleged missing firearms from their armoury as of December 2020.
“We appreciate the Senate committee’s probe into the alleged missing firearms and urge the committee to conduct future hearings on sensitive security issues in camera so that the wrong impressions would not be created in the minds of Nigerians and in the minds of the international community.
“This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security. Conducting hearings on these sensitive security issues in camera will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interests. It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding.
The police dismissed the Auditor General’s report as “rooted in inaccuracies” and criticized the handling of the issue by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts.
Egbetokun expressed deep disappointment over how the police were treated during the public hearing, which he claimed played out “in the full glare of the public and the international community.”
He pleaded for more time to conduct an internal investigation into the alleged missing weapons.
He also urged the Senate to handle future security-related probes behind closed doors, citing national security concerns.
Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Whip Onyechachi Nwoebonyi, who presided over the hearing in the absence of Committee Chairman Aliyu Wadada, directed the police to return next Monday with a clearer explanation.
Despite his attempts to justify the committee’s public approach, police concerns over the handling of the matter were largely ignored.
The Inspector General of Police said he is committed to maintaining a strong partnership with the National Assembly, working together to drive positive changes in the country and improving the lives of Nigerians and the security of the nation.
Senator Akpabio said the IGP’s letter was noted, very clear, adding that investigation will be done both internally by the police and further investigation will also be conducted by the Senate.
As tensions rise over the issue, all eyes are now on the police to provide a more detailed and convincing account of the missing rifles.