A total of 178,459 firearms, mostly AK-47 rifles, were lost by the Nigeria Police Force commands and formations across the country.
This was revealed by the Auditor General of the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, in his 2019 audit report being considered by Senate Public Accounts Committee.
The committee, on Tuesday, quizzed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of account and budget, Abdul Sulaiman.
Out of the number, “88,078 were AK-47 rifles,” according to Chira who was represented by Samuel Godwin.
“As of December 2018, a total of 178,459 firearms were unaccounted for, including 88,078 AK-47 rifles. Additionally, as of January 2020, at least 3,907 assorted rifles and pistols remained missing,” the report stated.
The lawmakers expressed concerns that firearms meant for law enforcement could have fallen into the hands of criminals, worsening Nigeria’s security situation.
Representing the IGP, AIG Sulaiman explained that some weapons were lost during robbery incidents, while others were seized by criminals after attacks on policemen.
However, a review of police records by the committee revealed that out of 3,907 firearms officially listed as missing, only 15 cases involved officers who died or sustained injuries while losing their weapons.
Under intense questioning, AIG Sulaiman appealed for more time to provide a comprehensive report on the missing firearms.
“To me, no firearm is unaccounted for. We appeal to the committee for more time, and we will submit a full report,” he said.
