CurrentReport Blog The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed recent allegations suggesting that 3,907 firearms are missing from its inventory. In a statement issued on February 13, 2025, by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF described these claims as misleading and inaccurate.
Clarification on the Auditor-General’s Report
According to the statement, the allegations originate from a 2019 assessment by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF). Adejobi emphasized that the report did not claim the firearms were “missing” but rather “unaccounted for” due to administrative discrepancies.
“This report appears to stem from an assessment by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, dating back to 2019, likely reflecting records compiled prior to the tenure of the current Inspector-General of Police. According to Issue 3b, Sub (iii) of the report, it is stated that 3,907 arms were unaccounted for and not ‘missing’ as speculated in the news,” Adejobi stated.
He further explained that the audit queries were raised to reconcile discrepancies and ensure accurate documentation. The Force had already responded to these queries in the past, and a Senate Committee on Public Accounts hearing scheduled for February 17, 2025, would provide an opportunity for further clarification.
Impact of Civil Unrest on Arms Accountability
The NPF acknowledged that past incidents of civil unrest have affected police facilities, leading to the loss of arms. Adejobi pointed out that during crises, police stations and armouries were attacked, with firearms stolen and officers killed.
“It is important to acknowledge the challenges faced by the police during periods of civil unrest, during which several police officers were killed, their arms carted away, and police facilities and armouries looted, resulting in the loss of arms,” he noted.
Despite these challenges, the police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining security and ensuring accountability for firearms in their custody.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
To prevent mismanagement and improve arms tracking, the Nigeria Police Force follows a statutory and internal auditing process to monitor the movement of firearms. Adejobi reassured the public that efforts are ongoing to recover any lost weapons.
“This process ensures controlled movement and proper accountability of arms, with efforts made to recover lost arms,” he added.
The Force also clarified that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) was not present during the recent Senate Committee hearing when the issue was raised. He had appeared briefly on February 11, 2025, in response to a prior invitation and was later excused.
Reassurance to the Public
The NPF urged the public to disregard sensationalized reports and assured that measures are in place to ensure transparency in firearms management. The statement reiterated the police force’s dedication to upholding public trust and national security.
As the scheduled Senate hearing approaches, the NPF remains confident that the matter will be resolved with accurate documentation and proper accountability.
