The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly refuted recent media reports alleging that 3,907 firearms are missing from its armories. In a statement released via its official X handle, the Force described the claims as misleading and based on outdated records from a 2019 report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF).
According to the police, the figures cited in the report do not indicate that the arms are “missing” but rather “unaccounted for” at the time of the audit. The distinction, the Force emphasized, is crucial, as it reflects an administrative gap rather than outright loss or disappearance.
The statement highlighted that various factors contribute to discrepancies in armory records, including:
Operational Deployments: Police personnel are routinely issued firearms for ongoing operations, sometimes for extended periods, making it difficult for auditors to physically verify all weapons during armory inspections.
Civil Unrest & Attacks: The Force acknowledged that during incidents of civil unrest, some police officers have been killed in the line of duty, with their weapons taken by attackers.
Additionally, there have been cases of police stations being looted, leading to arms being stolen. However, the NPF reassured the public that efforts to recover these arms have been ongoing, with many already retrieved.
The police underscored its internal auditing processes, which include statutory and annual audits aligned with established administrative regulations and standard operating procedures. These measures, it said, ensure strict accountability and controlled movement of firearms.
To further address the audit queries, the Force had engaged in reconciliation efforts and defended its records before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts. While the committee was initially scheduled to deliberate on the matter, the hearing has now been postponed to Monday, February 17, 2025, allowing more time for a comprehensive cross-examination of the records.
Refuting sensationalized reports suggesting that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) was grilled over the alleged missing arms, the statement clarified that the IGP only made a brief appearance before the committee on February 11, 2025. His engagement was limited to taking the customary oath and responding to queries about his prior absence. After satisfying the committee with his explanations, he was excused while the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Accounts and Budget remained to address the audit-related concerns.
For emphasis, the Force reiterated that there is no evidence of a staggering number of missing firearms within the Nigeria Police Force, and the claims being circulated are not only misleading but also fail to reflect the realities of the situation.
The NPF urged media outlets to verify reports before publication, cautioning against sensationalism that could undermine public trust in law enforcement agencies. It assured Nigerians that it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and upholding the highest standards of security management.
PIONEER NEWS 