SERAP demands probe of alleged N6.79bn Police Fund diversion, missing firearms

Fresh concerns have emerged over financial accountability and internal controls within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs following allegations that more than N6.79 billion in public funds may have been diverted, mismanaged or improperly accounted for.

The allegations, detailed in the 2022 Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation published in September 2025, have prompted the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to demand a full-scale investigation by the Federal Government.

In a letter dated August 1, 2026, SERAP urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the findings and prosecute anyone found culpable.

The rights organisation also called for the recovery of all allegedly diverted public funds, missing firearms, ammunition and police exhibits identified in the audit report.

According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s report uncovered a pattern of alleged financial irregularities involving abandoned projects, contracts reportedly awarded without due process, inflated contract values, unretired cash advances, unpaid insurance claims and payments for services allegedly never rendered.

One of the most striking findings concerns the reported payment of over ₦499 million for the construction of a Police College Phase II in Bashar, Plateau State. The Auditor-General reportedly found that the project was never executed despite the payment, raising concerns that the funds may have been diverted.

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The report also flagged more than N1.9 billion paid for 14 police projects classified as ongoing in 2022 but allegedly abandoned before completion, while new contracts were reportedly awarded for similar projects.

SERAP argued that such findings raise serious concerns about contract monitoring, procurement compliance and accountability in public spending.

Beyond financial issues, the audit reportedly uncovered significant lapses in the handling of police firearms and exhibits.

According to SERAP, the report alleged that 42 firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pistols, together with 737 rounds of live ammunition, were checked into the armoury of the FCT Police Command but were never returned.

The audit also reportedly identified instances where recovered firearms, vehicles and other exhibits were allegedly released or converted for operational use without proper authorisation or documentation.

The report further cited poor record-keeping and inadequate storage of firearms, warning that such weaknesses could increase the risk of weapons falling into unauthorised hands.

Security experts have long warned that missing government weapons can fuel criminal activities and further complicate Nigeria’s security challenges if not properly accounted for.

The Auditor-General’s report also questioned several financial transactions within the police system.

Among the issues highlighted were alleged payments of over N681 million to insurance brokers for claims that were reportedly never settled, procurement contracts worth over N57 million allegedly awarded without competitive bidding by the Police Public Relations Office, and contracts within the Ministry of Police Affairs reportedly awarded without adequate due diligence.

SERAP said these findings point to systemic weaknesses in financial management and internal oversight.

The organisation has given the Federal Government seven days to commence investigations, warning that it may institute legal proceedings if no action is taken.

SERAP maintained that allowing the allegations to go unaddressed would undermine public confidence in law enforcement institutions and weaken efforts to combat corruption.

“The alleged diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects and missing firearms undermine the operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force and may contribute to worsening insecurity,” the organisation said.

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It also reminded the government that the Nigerian Constitution obliges the state to combat corruption and ensure the security and welfare of citizens.

The allegations contained in the Auditor-General’s report have not resulted in any criminal conviction, and the affected agencies have not publicly responded to each of the claims.

Whether the audit findings will lead to criminal investigations, recoveries or administrative sanctions now depends on the response of the Federal Government and the relevant anti-corruption agencies.

For now, the report has renewed calls for greater transparency, stronger oversight of security sector spending and stricter accountability in the management of public funds and state-owned firearms