Nigeria Police denies reports of missing 3,907 firearms
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted recent media reports alleging that 3,907 firearms are missing from its armories, describing the claims as misleading and inaccurate.
In a press statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF clarified that the allegations stem from a 2019 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF), which stated that 3,907 arms were “unaccounted for,” not “missing.” The audit likely reflects records predating the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP)’s tenure.
The statement noted that challenges faced by the police during periods of civil unrest, including attacks on officers and police facilities, resulted in the loss of some firearms. However, efforts have been made to recover and account for the missing weapons.
Additionally, the NPF explained that audit visits to armories often coincide with ongoing police operations, during which arms are issued to officers for extended periods. This can lead to discrepancies in audit records.
The force emphasized that it conducts regular internal audits in line with Police Regulations and standard operating procedures to ensure accountability. Despite isolated incidents of missing arms, the NPF maintained that no significant number of firearms is missing.
The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had summoned the IGP to address the audit report, but the IGP only appeared briefly on February 11, 2025, to respond to queries about his previous absence.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Accounts and Budget) remained to address questions related to the period predating the current IGP’s administration. The Senate Committee has rescheduled the hearing to February 17, 2025, to allow further record reconciliation.
The NPF accused some media outlets of publishing misleading reports to undermine public confidence in the police. It stressed that misinformation could compromise public safety and hinder law enforcement efforts.
Despite these challenges, the NPF pledged its commitment to transparency, public trust, and maintaining national security.
