The Integrity Youth Alliance has faulted a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Nigerian Police spent N239 million on food items for personnel on operations, describing the publication as sensational and lacking proper context.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, the group said the headline, titled “Nigerian Police Under IGP Egbetokun Spend N239 Million On Geisha, Milk, Other Food Items For Personnel On Operation,” misrepresented legitimate operational logistics as frivolous expenditure.
The Alliance maintained that under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, all contracts awarded by the Nigeria Police Force comply strictly with established procurement laws and due process requirements.
According to the group, procurement processes undergo scrutiny by multiple regulatory and supervisory bodies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Federal Executive Council, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the National Council on Public Procurement, among others. These oversight mechanisms, it said, are designed to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and accountability in the use of public funds.
The statement explained that the items referenced in the report, including canned food products and dairy supplies, form part of standard dry ration provisions for personnel deployed to remote and high-risk areas across the country’s geopolitical zones.
It noted that officers operating in logistically challenging terrains require non-perishable, shelf-stable, and lightweight food supplies capable of lasting through extended field operations without refrigeration or frequent resupply.
“Dry rations typically consist of nutrient-dense, easy-to-prepare staples such as rice, lentils, canned goods, nuts, dried fruits, and milk products. These items are selected for durability, caloric efficiency, and long shelf life, and are often vacuum-sealed or canned to withstand environmental stress,” the group stated.
The Alliance argued that such provisions are globally recognized as essential components of military and paramilitary logistics, disaster response frameworks, and long-term field operations.
It further warned that portraying operational feeding logistics as wasteful spending undermines the sacrifices of officers serving in difficult and sometimes hostile environments.
“Food security for personnel on active duty is not a luxury but a logistical necessity,” the statement added.
The Integrity Youth Alliance reiterated its position that all contracts awarded under IGP Egbetokun have been transparent, accountable, and compliant with statutory procurement frameworks. It urged media organisations to exercise greater responsibility and context in reporting issues relating to national security and public accountability.
