The Senate questioned IGP Kayode Egbetokun over 178,459 missing firearms and alleged contract splitting worth N1.1bn. Lawmakers warned of security risks and demanded accountability. The police requested more time for a full report, while senators insisted those responsible be identified and prosecuted. A follow-up hearing is scheduled.
The Senate Public Accounts Committee has questioned Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun regarding the disappearance of 178,459 firearms and allegations of contract splitting amounting to N1.1 billion. The inquiry, which took place on Tuesday, highlighted concerns over security risks posed by unaccounted-for weapons.
Egbetokun, appearing before the committee, apologized for missing previous summons and introduced Assistant Inspector General Abdul Sulaiman as his representative. The Senate, however, remained firm in its demand for transparency. A report presented by the Auditor General’s office revealed that the missing weapons, including 88,078 AK-47 rifles, had gone unaccounted for since December 2018. Lawmakers feared these weapons might have fallen into the hands of criminals, exacerbating insecurity in the country.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi stressed that the disappearance of such a large cache of weapons posed a grave threat to national security. Meanwhile, Senator Adams Oshiomhole called for accountability, insisting that officers responsible for the missing guns be identified and prosecuted.
AIG Sulaiman argued that some of the weapons were lost in attacks on officers, but the committee found the police records lacking sufficient explanation. Under pressure, the police requested additional time to provide a comprehensive report. The Senate has given the IGP a deadline to present detailed findings at a follow-up hearing scheduled for January 17, 2025.
