By Palma Ileye
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order a comprehensive investigation into allegations that more than ₦6.79 billion in public funds was missing, diverted or misapplied within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
In a letter dated August 1 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the President 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 those implicated and ensure the recovery of the missing public funds, firearms and ammunition.
SERAP said the allegations were contained in the latest Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025.
The organisation also demanded the prosecution of contractors, companies and public officials found culpable, insisting that all missing funds, firearms and ammunition should be recovered, secured and properly accounted for.
“The Auditor-General’s findings suggest a grave betrayal of the public trust and raise serious concerns about corruption and the management of public funds, police exhibits, firearms and ammunition,” SERAP said.
According to the group, the audit report uncovered widespread financial irregularities, including payments for projects allegedly never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, irregular procurement practices, unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments for services not rendered.
SERAP further noted that the report documented cases of missing firearms and ammunition, unauthorised use and release of police exhibits, poor record-keeping and insecure storage of weapons, warning that such lapses pose serious threats to public safety and national security.
Among the audit findings highlighted by the organisation was the alleged payment of ₦499.9 million for the construction of Police College Phase II in Bashar, Plateau State, which the Auditor-General reportedly found was never executed. It added that rehabilitation projects in Abuja and Kaduna State were also allegedly paid for despite not being carried out.
The report also alleged that 42 firearms and 737 rounds of live ammunition lodged in the FCT Police Command armoury between 2021 and 2022 were never returned. It further claimed that several recovered firearms, vehicles and other police exhibits were converted for operational use or released without proper authorisation.
In addition, SERAP cited findings that more than ₦681 million paid through insurance brokers for beneficiaries’ claims was not disbursed, while insurance policy liabilities exceeding ₦1 billion remained outstanding.
The organisation said the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs was also implicated in alleged procurement irregularities involving contracts for bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets, troop carriers and patrol vehicles, as well as payments for training programmes and security allowances without adequate documentation or compliance with due process.
SERAP gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would consider legal action if no satisfactory response was received within the stipulated period.
The organisation argued that Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution mandates the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power, while Section 14 provides that the security and welfare of the people shall remain the primary purpose of government.
