By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving N6.79 billion in the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs.
SERAP also urged the President to ensure the recovery and proper accounting of firearms and ammunition allegedly reported missing from police custody.
The organisation made the demands in a letter dated August 1, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
According to SERAP, the allegations were contained in the Auditor-General’s Annual Report published on September 9, 2025. The group said the report identified several financial infractions, including payments for projects allegedly not executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs and irregular procurement practices.
It also raised concerns over unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments allegedly made for services that were not rendered.
SERAP said the Auditor-General’s findings also pointed to concerns over missing firearms and ammunition, the unauthorised release or use of police exhibits and poor documentation of recovered firearms and other exhibits.
The organisation expressed concern that such lapses could have serious consequences for public safety and national security, especially amid the security challenges confronting the country.
“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.
The group called on Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations.
It further demanded that anyone found responsible for financial misconduct or the disappearance of firearms and ammunition should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
SERAP also called for the recovery of any public funds found to have been diverted or misappropriated, as well as the recovery and proper accounting of all missing firearms and ammunition.
The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to respond to its demands, warning that it would consider legal action if the authorities failed to take appropriate steps.
SERAP said prompt action would promote transparency, strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in the management of security funds and resources.