The Senate Public Accounts Committee has rejected a request for a closed-door session by an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) during an inquiry into the disappearance of 3,907 assault rifles.
Chairman of the committee emphasized that its proceedings must remain open to the public, citing transparency practices in countries like the United States, where Public Accounts Committee sessions are televised.
“The AIG’s response on the missing rifles should be made in full public view, particularly before journalists,” he stated.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole also opposed the closed-door session, stressing that the police routinely parade minor offenders but must now provide accountability on the missing firearms.
“The AIG should inform Nigerians about the steps taken to recover the missing rifles, those responsible, and the extent of recovery so far,” Oshiomhole said.
In response, the AIG was only able to account for 15 out of the 3,907 missing rifles, stating that 14 were lost due to personnel killed in active service, while one had been missing since 1998. His response further angered committee members.
The committee ruled that the matter would not be overlooked and directed the AIG and his team to provide a more detailed response. They were ordered to reappear before the committee on Monday at noon. Consideration of the remaining five queries was suspended.
