Investigate Disappearance of N6.79bn Police Allocation and Unaccounted Weapons, SERAP Urges Tinubu

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project is calling on President Bola Tinubu to launch a thorough investigation into claims that over N6.79bn in public funds was misused or diverted within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.

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This investigation should also encompass the recovery and proper accounting of missing firearms and ammunition, as highlighted in the latest report from the Auditor-General of the Federation, according to SERAP's statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

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These allegations are outlined in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report, which was published on September 9, 2025, and are described by SERAP as a “grave betrayal of the public trust” in a letter dated August 1, 2026.

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SERAP is urging President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate these allegations and prosecute anyone found guilty.

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The Auditor-General's report details numerous financial irregularities, including payments for projects that were never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, and irregular procurement, amounting to over ₦6.79 billion.

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Additionally, the report notes unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims, payments for services not rendered, and other suspected diversions and misapplications of public funds, as well as missing firearms and ammunition.

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SERAP has given the Federal Government seven days to act on its recommendations, threatening legal action if its demands are not met within this timeframe.

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The organisation cited Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power, and Section 14, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

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SERAP highlighted specific findings from the Auditor-General’s report, including the alleged payment of N499.9m for the construction of Police College Phase II in Bashar, Plateau State, which was never executed, with the Auditor-General fearing that the money may have been diverted.

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The report also noted that the Nigeria Police Force Department of Logistics and Supply, Works Section, Force Headquarters, Abuja, paid over ₦12 million to a contractor for the Rehabilitation of Block B Department of Logistics and Supply (Works) building at Garki, but the project was not executed.

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Furthermore, the Section paid over ₦111 million to a contractor for the construction of 12 Nos 1-Bedroom In suite Transit Camp and rehabilitation of Administration Block at NPF Pre-retirement Skills Acquisition Centre Kudan, Kaduna State, but the project was not executed.

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The Section also inserted taxes of over ₦4 million to inflate a contract, and paid over ₦1 billion for fourteen contracts in 2022 as ongoing projects, but the contracts were abandoned, and new projects were awarded to contractors instead of completing the ongoing projects.

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SERAP also referenced findings that 42 firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pistols, as well as 737 rounds of live ammunition booked into the FCT Police Command armoury between 2021 and 2022, were never returned.

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The report alleged that police exhibits, including vehicles, firearms, and ammunition, were converted to operational use or released without due authorisation, while several exhibits could not be accounted for.

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Additionally, SERAP cited alleged procurement irregularities in the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, including contracts worth N438.1m for the supply of bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, and troop carriers, which were awarded without due diligence.

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The organisation noted that those responsible for any proven wrongdoing should be prosecuted, and all missing public funds and security assets recovered in the public interest.