Buhari Probes Military Weapon Procurements From 2007

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Muhammadu Buhari

By Sadiq Umar, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno to commence investigation into the purchase of weapons by the Nigerian military since 2007.

To this end, a 13-member investigative committee has been set up to carry out the assignment.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina. said the establishment of the investigative committee is in keeping with President Buhari’s determination to stamp out corruption and irregularities in Nigeria’s public service.

“It comes against the background of the myriad of challenges that the Nigerian Armed Forces have faced in the course of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast, including the apparent deficit in military platforms with its attendant negative effects of troops’ morale.

“The committee will specifically investigate allegations of non-adherence to correct equipment procurement procedures and the exclusion of relevant logistics branches from arms procurement under past administrations, which, very often resulted in the acquisition of sub-standard and unserviceable equipment.”

In keeping with the directive, the National Security Adviser has empanelled a 13-man committee headed by AVM J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) as President. Other members include:

R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.) – Member

R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.) – Member

Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.) – Member

Brig Gen M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.) – Member

Brig Gen N. Rimtip (rtd.) – Member

Cdre T.D. Ikoli – Member

Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.) – Member

Air Cdre I. Shafi’i – Member

Col A.A. Ariyibi – Member

Gp Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.) – Member

Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC) – Member

The committee has Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa as Secretary.

The probe of purchase of military hardware and munitions by President Buhari is coming amid claims that the Nigerian military has been hampered in the fight against insurgency by lack of weapons and the diversion of funds meant for purchase of weapons into private pockets.

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