Egbetokun writes senate on missing firearms, requests ‘closed-door’ probe

Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has asked the senate to conduct the investigation into the missing 3,907 firearms behind “closed doors”.

Egbetokun’s request is contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the red chamber on Thursday.

BACKGROUND

On Tuesday, the senate committee on public accounts queried the Nigeria Police Force (NFP) over the missing firearms.

The 2019 auditor-general of the federation report revealed that some firearms and ammunition were missing from the police armoury.

Egbetokun nominated Suleiman Abdul, an assistant inspector-general (AIG), to respond to the senators’ queries.

However, the explanation offered by the police representative was not satisfactory to the lawmakers.

Abdul had sought an executive session but was rejected by the majority of the committee members.

‘CLOSED DOORS PROBE WILL PREVENT MISINFORMATION’

In the letter, the IGP commended the senate for the investigation but called for a closed-door session in subsequent hearings.

Egbetokun said the probe is a “sensitive security issue,” and discussing it in the open would create a “wrong impression” in the minds of Nigerians and the international community.

“This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security,” he said.

Emphasising the need for an executive session in subsequent engagements with the police, Egbetokun said, “this will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interest”.

“It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding,” he said.

Akpabio said the letter “speaks for itself,” adding that the senate would continue with the probe.

Earlier on Thursday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said some of the ammunition went missing during civil unrest and not during the tenure of Egbetokun.