Amanze Chinonye
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving more than ₦6.79 billion within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, Prime Business Africa reports.
The organisation also called for the recovery of missing firearms, ammunition and other security assets identified in the latest Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
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In a letter dated August 1, 2026, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group asked President Tinubu to direct the 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 allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.
SERAP said the Auditor-General’s findings revealed suspected cases of fund diversion, abandoned projects, irregular procurement, unretired advances, poor management of police exhibits and failures in the accountability of firearms and ammunition.
The organisation said the allegations represented a breach of public trust and could undermine police operations, public confidence and national security.
Among the issues highlighted was the alleged payment of ₦499.88 million by the Nigeria Police Force Department of Logistics and Supply, Works Section, Force Headquarters, Abuja, in 2022 for the construction of Phase II of the Police College in Bashar, Plateau State. The Auditor-General reportedly found that the project was not executed and recommended that the funds be recovered.
The report also cited payments of ₦12.93 million for the rehabilitation of a police works building in Garki, Abuja, and ₦111.64 million for the construction of transit camp facilities and rehabilitation of an administration block at the Nigeria Police Force Pre-retirement Skills Acquisition Centre in Kudan, Kaduna State, despite the projects reportedly not being completed.
It further alleged that ₦1.94 billion paid for 14 ongoing projects in 2022 was linked to abandoned contracts, with some replacement projects reportedly awarded without traceable records.
SERAP also raised concerns over the alleged disappearance and improper handling of police firearms and exhibits.
According to the organisation, the FCT Police Command recorded 42 firearms, including AK-47 rifles and pistols, as well as 737 rounds of live ammunition in its armoury between 2021 and 2022, but the items were reportedly not returned. The Auditor-General warned that the weapons could have been lost or fallen into unauthorised hands.
The audit report also alleged that nine recovered AK-47 rifles were used by the FCT Criminal Investigation Department without proper authorisation, while several exhibits were reportedly released or converted for operational use without adequate documentation.
Other findings cited by SERAP included the failure to account for 24 exhibits, inadequate storage of obsolete firearms, and the release of monetary and non-monetary exhibits without proper records.
The report further identified financial management concerns within the police force, including the payment of ₦112.03 million to officers for outstanding allowances without budgetary provision and the failure to prepare required financial statements for 2022.
It also alleged that more than ₦10 million in cash advances issued for office equipment at the Nigeria Police Force Database Management Centre remained unretired, exceeding approved limits.
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At the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs, SERAP cited alleged irregularities involving contracts worth ₦438.07 million for security equipment, including bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and troop carriers, which were reportedly awarded without adequate due diligence.
The ministry was also accused of paying ₦258.99 million for 10 patrol vehicles for police outposts in Kano State to an allegedly unqualified contractor, while ₦18 million allocated for a women’s skills acquisition programme in Ondo State was reportedly spent without supporting documentation.
SERAP further highlighted alleged irregularities within the Nigeria Police Force Insurance Unit, which reportedly paid ₦681.41 million to insurance brokers for claims that remained unsettled, alongside outstanding insurance obligations exceeding ₦1.6 billion.
The organisation also cited the alleged irregular payment of ₦57.48 million by the Police Public Relations Office for items including video cameras, customised umbrellas, gift bags and towels without competitive bidding.
SERAP gave the government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would consider legal action if no steps were taken.
The group said investigating the allegations and strengthening accountability systems were necessary to ensure that resources allocated for policing were properly managed and used to improve public safety.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
