Nearly 2,330 Weapons Still Unrecovered Since July Protests

Nearly 2,330 firearms looted during the July protests remain unaccounted for, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has confirmed. According to the IGP, the missing weapons include 1,330 police-issued firearms and 1,000 privately owned guns, all of which continue to pose a significant security risk.

Addressing the matter, IGP Alam emphasised the dangers of these unrecovered weapons. “Any firearm outside official control constitutes a serious threat to the nation. The looted weapons remain hazardous to both citizens and law enforcement agencies. Every possible measure is being taken to recover and secure them,” he stated.

He further highlighted that illegal arms continue to enter the country through various channels, despite ongoing government efforts to curb this flow. “The police, in coordination with relevant government bodies, are actively addressing the infiltration of illicit firearms. However, the challenge persists,” he added.

Regarding the police’s role in the upcoming elections, IGP Alam assured the public of their commitment to impartial law enforcement. “By 13 February, it will become clear whether the police can perform their duties free from political influence. We are managing the situation with the utmost patience. Despite road blockages, protests, and confrontations, our officers are fulfilling their responsibilities diligently,” he said.

He also urged citizens to trust the police to ensure the safety of journalists and the general public during the election period.

On the topic of police reform, IGP Alam noted that efforts to establish full operational independence have been ongoing since 2006–2007. “We have long advocated that the police should be able to perform investigations and other responsibilities without political interference. Yet, complete independence has not yet been achieved. Political influence continues to affect promotions and senior appointments, despite the establishment of the Police Commission,” he explained.

The IGP proposed that recommendations for senior police appointments should come exclusively from the Police Commission, which would submit a shortlist of three candidates for the government’s final selection. “While this recommendation is not mandatory, it remains a crucial step toward greater autonomy. We have consistently called for measures that ensure independence within the police force,” he added.

The table below summarises the firearms looted during the July protests and their current status:

IGP Alam warned that failure to recover these weapons promptly could have long-term security implications. “Our objective is to regain control over these firearms as quickly as possible, while enabling the police to carry out their duties fully independently,” he concluded.