The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to order a comprehensive investigation into allegations that more than ₦6.79 billion in public funds were 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 asked 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 missing public funds, firearms and ammunition.

The group said the allegations were contained in the latest Annual Report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025.

SERAP also called for the prosecution of contractors, companies and public officials found culpable, saying 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,” the organisation said.

According to SERAP, the audit report highlighted widespread financial irregularities, including payments for projects that were allegedly never executed, abandoned contracts, inflated contract costs, irregular procurement, unretired cash advances, unsettled insurance claims and payments for services not rendered.

It said the report also 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 risks to public safety and national security.

Among the findings cited by SERAP was the alleged payment of ₦499.9 million for the construction of a Police College Phase II in Bashar, Plateau State, which the Auditor-General said was never executed. Other projects, including rehabilitation works in Abuja and Kaduna State, were also reportedly paid for but not carried out.

The organisation further referenced findings that 42 firearms and 737 rounds of live ammunition booked into the FCT Police Command armoury between 2021 and 2022 were never returned, while several recovered firearms, vehicles and other exhibits were allegedly converted for operational use or released without proper authorisation.

The report also alleged that over ₦681 million paid through insurance brokers to settle beneficiaries’ claims was not disbursed, while insurance policy liabilities exceeding ₦1 billion remained unresolved.

SERAP said the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs was also cited for 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 due process.

The organisation gave the Federal Government seven days to act on its demands, warning that it would consider legal action if no response was received within the period.

SERAP argued that Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution requires the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power, while Section 14 provides that the security and welfare of the people remain the primary purpose of government.