IGP denies missing arms allegation

• Seeks closed-door sessions

By Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has described as false the allegations in the Auditor-General for the Federation’s 2019 audit report that the Nigeria Police Force cannot account for 3,907 rifles.

In a letter addressed to the Senate President, which was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, he also requested that henceforth, all “sensitive investigations” be conducted behind closed doors for national security reasons.

The Senate Public Accounts Committee had on Tuesday queried police officials over the missing rifles. Egbetokun, who attended a public hearing on the queries raised by the Auditor-General’s report, left early to attend to other duties. Senate Deputy Whip Onyechachi Nwoebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) presided over the hearing in the absence of the committee chairman, Sen. Aliyu Wadada.

However, the IGP faulted the Auditor-General’s findings, which he said were based on faulty data. He also expressed disappointment with how the police were treated during the hearing, particularly given the international attention the issue attracted.

The IGP said the report on the missing rifles created unnecessary panic and misinterpretations, both locally and internationally, adding that it was “inaccurate” and “misleading.”

In response, Senate President Akpabio noted the issues raised in the letter, adding that the Senate would probe the matter alongside that of the police.