The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has formally communicated with the Senate regarding the reported disappearance of 3,907 AK47 rifles, as highlighted in the 2019 Audit report issued by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF).
In a letter presented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Egbetokun requested that a subsequent investigative hearing on this issue be conducted in a closed session due to its sensitive security implications.
Although the IGP attended the public hearing held by the Senate Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, he was excused to address other urgent national matters and criticized the AuGF report, asserting that it is “based on inaccuracies.”
The IGP said he was disappointed and shocked at the way the police were treated during the course of the hearing by the Senate panel, especially in the full glare of the public and the eyes of international community.
He however pleaded for time to enable the Police carry out a thorough investigation of its own on the matter, even as he called on the leadership of the Senate to keep such future engagements behind closed door and be a lot more discreet when dealing with issues of national security.
The letter reads: “We appreciate the Senate Committee’s probe into the alleged missing firearms and urge the committee to conduct future hearings on sensitive security issues in camera so that the wrong impression will not be created in the minds of Nigerians and in the minds of the international community.
“This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security. Conducting hearings on these sensitive security issues in camera will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interests. It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding.”
The Inspector General of Police said he is committed to maintaining a strong partnership with the National Assembly and working together to drive positive changes in the country and improving the lives of Nigerians and the security of the nation.
On his part, Senator Akpabio said that the IGP’s letter was very clear, just as he said that investigation will be done both internally by the police and further investigation will also be conducted by the Senate.
Senate Deputy Whip, Onyechachi Nwebonyi (APC – Ebonyi North) who on Tuesday presided over the Senate Public Accounts Committee as Vice Chairman in the absence of the Chairman, Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, had asked the Police to return next Monday with a better explanation about the alleged missing firearms.
His attempt to comment on Egbetokun’s letter or to defend the action of the committee was not granted by the President of the Senate.