The Nigeria Police Force has vehemently refuted recent media reports alleging the disappearance of 3,907 firearms from its inventory.
In a press release issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police described the claims as misleading and inaccurate.
The controversy arose from an assessment in the 2019 report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF), which highlighted 3,907 arms categorized as unaccounted for, not missing.
The Police Force clarified that these discrepancies primarily stemmed from operational challenges during periods of civil unrest, where officers were tragically killed and their weapons looted from armories.
“While acknowledging the unfortunate loss of arms during attacks on police facilities and other incidents, we emphasize that rigorous efforts have been made to recover and account for these firearms,” stated ACP Adejobi.
The Force stressed its adherence to strict internal auditing procedures outlined in Police Regulations and standard operating procedures, aimed at ensuring comprehensive accountability of all armaments.
The statement further clarified that audits often do not reflect real-time armory statuses due to the temporary issuance of weapons to personnel for operational needs, spanning extended periods.
This operational reality occasionally leads to discrepancies during audit assessments, contributing to misunderstandings regarding the completeness of inventory records.
In response to the Senate Committee on Public Accounts’ scrutiny of the issue, scheduled for February 17, 2025, the Police Force reiterated its commitment to transparency.
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He said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) briefly appeared before the committee on February 11, 2025, addressing queries related to periods predating his administration.
The Force assured the public that no alarming number of firearms is currently missing from its armories.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in combating the proliferation of misinformation, which undermines our efforts to maintain national security and public trust,” emphasized ACP Adejobi.
He urged the public to disregard sensationalized reports that seek to tarnish the Force’s reputation, reaffirming their dedication to safeguarding the nation and maintaining accountability in all operational matters.
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