Aug 2, 2026

SERAP Demands Urgent Probe into Alleged ₦6.79 Billion Police Funds Scandal, Missing Firearms

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria - In a strongly worded letter that underscores growing public frustration over accountability in Nigeria’s security sector, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into allegations that more than ₦6.79 billion in public funds were missing, diverted, or misapplied within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.

The allegations, drawn from the latest Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation published on 9 September 2025, paint a troubling picture of financial mismanagement and operational lapses that SERAP describes as “a grave betrayal of the public trust.”

The organization, in a letter dated 1 August 2026 and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, urged the President to direct Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the matter fully, prosecute those found culpable—including contractors, companies, and public officials—and ensure the recovery of all missing funds, firearms, and ammunition.

According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s findings reveal widespread irregularities. These include payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated costs, irregular procurement, unretired cash advances, and payments for services not rendered.

One striking example involves the payment of over ₦499 million for the construction of Police College Phase II in Bashar, Plateau State—work that was reportedly never carried out.

Other cases include payments for rehabilitation works and transit camps that similarly went unexecuted, as well as contracts valued in the hundreds of millions that were abandoned while new ones were awarded.

Equally alarming are the security implications. The report documents 42 firearms, including AK-47s and pistols, along with 737 rounds of live ammunition booked into the FCT Police Command armoury that were never returned.

Recovered exhibits, including vehicles and weapons, were allegedly converted for operational use or released without proper authorization.

Insecure storage of firearms and failures to account for exhibits further heighten risks to public safety and national security.

SERAP argues that such lapses undermine the operational effectiveness of the police, erode public confidence, and may contribute to Nigeria’s persistent insecurity challenges.

The organization also highlighted irregularities within the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including contracts for bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, and patrol vehicles awarded without due diligence, as well as payments for training programmes and security allowances lacking proper documentation.

Insurance claims exceeding ₦681 million were reportedly unpaid, while other liabilities remained unresolved.

SERAP has given the Federal Government seven days to act, warning that it will consider legal action if no meaningful response is received.

The group cited constitutional provisions requiring the state to abolish corrupt practices and prioritise the security and welfare of the people.

For ordinary Nigerians struggling with insecurity, rising costs, and demands for better policing, these revelations strike a raw nerve.

When funds meant to equip and support the police disappear, and when weapons go missing, the consequences are felt on the streets, in communities, and by families who look to the state for protection.

SERAP’s intervention serves as a pointed reminder that transparency and accountability are not optional—they are essential for rebuilding trust and strengthening the institutions charged with safeguarding the nation.

Whether the administration responds with decisive action or allows the matter to fade remains to be seen. What is clear is that the public is watching closely.