By Zara Maisango
The Nigeria Police Force has expressed deep concern over recent reports suggesting that 3,907 arms are missing from its armory. Describing these claims as misleading and inaccurate, the Force clarified that the figures cited originated from a 2019 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF), reflecting records compiled before the tenure of the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
According to the Force, the report—specifically Issue 3b, Sub (iii)—stated that the arms in question were “unaccounted for” rather than “missing,” as erroneously reported. The police emphasized that losses incurred during periods of civil unrest, where officers were killed and their weapons seized, contributed to such discrepancies. However, significant efforts have been made to recover these arms, many of which have since been returned to the Force’s inventory.
The police further explained that arms are frequently issued to officers for operational purposes, sometimes for extended periods, leading to temporary absences from armory records when audits are conducted. This standard procedure often results in misconceptions about the completeness of audit reports.
Additionally, the Force reassured the public that it maintains a strict internal auditing process in line with the Police Regulations and standard operating procedures. These internal checks, conducted annually, have not revealed any alarming discrepancies, contrary to what is being circulated in some media outlets. While the 2019 AuGF report highlighted certain issues, the Force has continuously worked to reconcile and address any outstanding concerns.
The statement also clarified the events surrounding the Senate Committee on Public Accounts hearing, scheduled for February 17, 2025. The IGP, contrary to media speculation, was not present when questions regarding the alleged missing firearms were raised. He had earlier appeared before the committee on February 11, 2025, to address concerns about previous invitations and was excused after providing satisfactory explanations. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Accounts and Budget remained behind to respond to specific audit queries related to the period preceding the current IGP’s administration.
The Nigeria Police Force lamented the growing trend of misinformation aimed at discrediting its efforts to maintain internal security. It warned that such false narratives not only erode public confidence but also compromise national security. The Force reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of lives and property while urging the media to exercise responsible journalism in matters of national security.
