Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has officially reached out to the Senate Panel on Public Accounts, requesting a private session to discuss the ongoing probe into the disappearance of 3,907 firearms. His appeal stems from security concerns surrounding the investigation.
Egbetokun seeks to challenge the findings of the 2019 Audit Report issued by the Auditor-General for the Federation, which alleged that as of January 2020, nearly 4,000 assault rifles were either missing or unaccounted for in police armouries.
In a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the police chief acknowledged the Senateâs commitment to conducting a thorough investigation. However, he urged lawmakers to handle sensitive security issues behind closed doors to prevent any misinterpretations by both Nigerians and the international community.
âWe appreciate the Senate committeeâs efforts in investigating the alleged missing firearms,â Egbetokun stated. âHowever, we request that future hearings on such critical security matters be conducted in private. This will help prevent misinformation and ensure national security. Holding discussions in a closed setting allows for a more detailed and accurate assessment of the situation.â
Dismissing the Auditor-Generalâs report as inaccurate, Egbetokun criticized how the Senate Committee on Public Accounts managed the issue. He expressed disappointment over the manner in which the police were treated during the public hearing, stating that it was carried out under full media scrutiny, potentially influencing public perception.
He appealed for additional time to conduct an internal investigation into the alleged disappearance of firearms. He also reiterated his request for future security-related probes to be handled privately to avoid jeopardizing national security.
Meanwhile, in the absence of Committee Chairman Aliyu Wadada, Senate Deputy Whip Onyechachi Nwoebonyi, who presided over the hearing, directed the police to return next Monday with a more detailed explanation. Despite Egbetokunâs concerns, the committee remained firm on its decision to conduct the proceedings publicly.
The Inspector General reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the National Assembly to drive reforms that will improve security and enhance the well-being of Nigerians.
Senate President Akpabio acknowledged receipt of Egbetokunâs letter, stating that while internal police investigations will continue, the Senate will also conduct its own independent inquiry.
As the controversy over the missing firearms deepens, attention now shifts to the police, who must provide a more detailed and convincing account of the situation.
Join our WhatsApp Channel for more updates