Police IG To Senate: Handle 3,907 Missing AK-47s Case Behind Closed Doors

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has appealed to the Senate to conduct its investigation into the alleged disappearance of 3,907 assault rifles behind closed doors, citing security concerns.

In a letter to the Senate, Egbetokun dismissed the claims in the 2019 Audit Report by the Auditor-General for the Federation, which alleged that thousands of police firearms were missing or unaccounted for as of January 2020, calling the report inaccurate.

“We appreciate the Senate committee’s efforts in probing the alleged missing firearms, but we urge that future hearings on sensitive security matters be held in camera. This will prevent the spread of misinformation, safeguard national security, and ensure a more thorough fact-finding process,” the letter stated.

The IGP further requested additional time for the police to conduct internal investigations into the matter.

Meanwhile, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, told journalists in Abuja that the police had accounted for most of the missing weapons, with several already recovered and returned to the force’s armory.