SERAP Asks Tinubu to Probe N6.79bn Police Funds, Missing Firearms

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement involving more than ₦6.79 billion within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.

The organisation also urged the Federal Government to account for missing firearms and ammunition allegedly identified in the latest report of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

SERAP made the demand in a letter dated August 1, 2026, according to a statement issued on Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

The rights group said the allegations are contained in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report published on September 9, 2025, describing the findings as a serious breach of public trust.

It urged President Tinubu to direct 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 the allegations and prosecute anyone found responsible.

According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s report documented numerous financial irregularities, including payments for projects allegedly never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, procurement violations, unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments for services not rendered.

The organisation also expressed concern over allegations involving missing firearms, ammunition, unauthorised release of police exhibits and inadequate storage of weapons, warning that such lapses pose serious risks to public safety and national security.

SERAP highlighted findings showing that nearly ₦500 million was allegedly paid for the construction of Police College Phase II in Bashar, Plateau State, despite the project reportedly not being executed.

The group also cited alleged abandoned contracts valued at over ₦1.9 billion, as well as other questionable payments linked to rehabilitation projects, procurement and training programmes.

It further referenced findings that 42 firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pistols, alongside 737 rounds of live ammunition, allegedly booked into the Federal Capital Territory Police Command armoury between 2021 and 2022, were never returned.

SERAP gave the Federal Government seven days to begin implementing its recommendations or face legal action.

The organisation maintained that recovering any missing public funds and security assets, while prosecuting those responsible for proven wrongdoing, would strengthen accountability and reinforce public confidence in government institutions.