The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has asked the Nigerian Senate to investigate the missing firearms behind closed doors.

This request came after the Senate questioned the police over 3,907 missing firearms, as revealed in a 2019 audit report. The letter was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the Senate session on Thursday, February 13.

Earlier, the Senate’s public accounts committee questioned the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) about the missing firearms, following findings in the 2019 auditor-general’s report.

In response, IGP Egbetokun nominated Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Suleiman Abdul to address the issue, but his explanation was not enough to satisfy the lawmakers.

Abdul had asked for an executive session, but most committee members did not agree to this.

In his letter, IGP Egbetokun thanked the Senate for starting the investigation, but asked that future discussions be held in private to prevent misinformation. He emphasized that open discussions could create confusion both in Nigeria and internationally.

The IGP believes a closed-door session would allow for more honest discussions and protect national security.

Senate President Akpabio stated that the probe would continue, and that the IGP’s concerns were acknowledged.

Meanwhile, the police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, explained that some of the missing ammunition was lost during civil unrest and not under the current IGP’s leadership.