Reps probe police over weapons’ supply contracts, assets’ sales

Reps probe police over weapons’ supply contracts, assets’ sales

The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) following revelations of an alleged N50 billion scandal involving the supply of arms, ammunition, and security equipment to the Force.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance jointly sponsored by Reps Ibe Okwarra Osunwa, Mark Esset, and Jafaru Leko during plenary yesterday.

The lawmakers raised concerns over alleged widespread irregularities in police procurement processes, which they say, threaten national security and the credibility of the Force.

The lawmakers said one of the most troubling issues was the alleged disbursements of over N50 billion to several companies including PSGL Nigeria Ltd., SOLYD Nigeria Ltd., Toffy Ventures Ltd., Rush Rights Ltd., and others for the supply of arms, gunboats, boots, and forensic equipment.

Despite the huge financial outlay, the lawmaker said there was no verifiable evidence that the items were delivered.

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“These are not isolated infractions; they point to a systemic abuse of office and sabotage of our internal security framework,” Osunwa said while moving the motion on behalf of the other sponsors.

He said the House was further alarmed over the alleged diversion of N2.9 billion earmarked under the Safe School Initiative.

Osunwa said the contract, awarded to Vigiscope Ltd. for ICT-related projects, reportedly violated procurement regulations, including failure to obtain necessary certification from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

In addition to arms and ICT procurement, the lawmaker decried the splitting of a N6 billion police uniform contract into 66 smaller contracts awarded to Crown Natures Nigeria Limited-an action allegedly taken to evade the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

The House subsequently mandated its committees on Public Accounts and Procurement to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the procurement practices, budgetary allocations, and asset disposal by the Nigeria Police Force.

The Committees are expected to report back within six weeks with findings and recommendations for further legislative action.

Reps probe police over weapons’ supply contracts, assets’ sales