ABUJA – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged President Bola Tinubu to order a full investigation into allegations that over ₦6.79 billion of public funds are missing, diverted or misapplied within the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
In a letter dated August 2, 2026 and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP asked the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to act.
SERAP said the allegations are documented in the latest Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation published on 9 September 2025.
The organisation stated: “Anyone suspected to be responsible—including contractors, companies and public officials implicated in the report—should be promptly prosecuted, while all missing public funds, firearms and ammunition should be fully recovered, secured and properly accounted for.”
According to SERAP, 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.
The report alleged that in October 2022, the Nigeria Police Force Department of Logistics and Supply paid over ₦499.8 million to a contractor for the construction of Police College Phase II in Bashar, Plateau State, but the project was not executed. It also claimed that over ₦1.9 billion was paid for 14 ongoing contracts in 2022 that were later abandoned, while new contracts were awarded instead and could not be traced.
SERAP further said the report documented that over ₦681.4 million was paid to various insurance brokers to settle beneficiaries’ claims, but none of the claims was settled. Another ₦258.9 million was allegedly paid to an unqualified contractor to purchase 10 patrol vehicles for police outpost stations in Kano State without due process.
On security, the organisation said the Auditor-General reported that 42 firearms comprising AK-47 rifles and pistols with 737 rounds of ammunition were booked in the FCT Police Command armoury in 2021 and 2022 but were never returned. It also alleged that 9 AK-47 rifles recovered during operations were used by the FCT CID without authorisation, while exhibits including ₦5.05 million, laptops and firearms were released without proper authorisation or bond. The report further claimed that 10 obsolete firearms were stored insecurely “inside a box on the floor of the Administrative Office” at a divisional headquarters.
Other allegations include over ₦57.4 million irregularly paid to contractors for video cameras, customized umbrellas and gift bags without competitive bidding, and over ₦7.7 million in withholding and value added tax not deducted from contracts awarded.
SERAP warned that “the diversion of funds meant for policing, abandoned security projects, missing firearms and ammunition… may contribute to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity” and undermine public confidence in the police.
The group gave the government 7 days to act, saying it would consider appropriate legal action to compel compliance “in the public interest.”
SERAP cited Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution which requires the State to abolish corrupt practices, and Section 14 which makes the security and welfare of the people the primary purpose of government.
SERAP To Tinubu: Investigate Alleged ₦6.79bn Fraud, Missing Firearms In Police Force
