Egbetokun stressed that conducting the hearings behind closed doors would prevent misinformation, safeguard national security, and facilitate a more open and effective fact-finding process.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has urged the senate to conduct its investigation into the mysterious disappearance of 3,907 firearms behind closed doors, citing security implications and the risk of misinformation.
In a letter addressed to the senate and read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary, Egbetokun expressed gratitude for the lawmakers’ commitment to accountability but stressed the need for a private probe into the missing weapons, which were allegedly unaccounted for as of December 2020.
“We appreciate the senate committee’s probe into the alleged missing firearms and urge that future hearings on sensitive security matters be conducted in camera. This will prevent the creation of a wrong impression in the minds of Nigerians and the international community,” the letter stated.
The IGP stressed that conducting the hearings behind closed doors would prevent misinformation, safeguard national security, and facilitate a more open and effective fact-finding process. He also reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the National Assembly to enhance security and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.
Responding to the IGP’s request, Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured that the investigation would proceed both internally within the police and externally through the senate, ensuring accountability without compromising security.
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Parliament Reports recalls that a recent investigation by the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) has revealed that 3,907 firearms, including a significant number of AK-47 rifles, are missing from police commands and formations across Nigeria. The discovery was made following an audit conducted by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The report also referenced earlier findings that, as of December 2018, a staggering 178,459 firearms had gone missing, including 88,078 AK-47 rifles.
