By Divine Sam
Senate Committee on Public Accounts concerning the disappearance of nearly 4,000 assault rifles, primarily AK-47s, from various police formations.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Suleiman Abdul, was called to explain the missing firearms, which had been highlighted in a 2019 Audit Query by the Auditor General for the Federation. Despite his efforts, including a request for a closed-door session, he failed to provide convincing explanations for the loss of 3,907 rifles, with only 15 of them being accounted for due to the deaths of police personnel in active service.
The committee, frustrated by the lack of answers, rejected the AIG’s request for a closed-door session, stressing the need for transparency. Senators like Peter Nwaebonyi and Adams Oshiomhole insisted that such matters be discussed in public, particularly in front of journalists. The session concluded with the committee ordering AIG Abdul and his team to return next week with more concrete answers.
This issue underscores the gravity of accountability within security forces, especially regarding the loss of dangerous weapons. The police’s failure to provide a satisfactory explanation raises concerns about security risks and governance.
Leave a Reply