FG Probes Weapon Procurement Since 2007

A panel to investigate the procurement of weapon for the military since 2007 has been set up by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari directed the National Security Adviser to constitute the investigative committee on the procurement of hardware and munitions in the Armed Forces from 2007 till 2015.

This was made known in a statement issued Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

The panel is expected to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces.

AVM J.O.N. Ode (rtd) will serve as Chairman of the committee, while Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa will be its Secretary.

Members of the probe panel include R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd), R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd), Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd), Brig Gen M. Aminu-Kano (rtd), Brig Gen N. Rimtip (rtd), Cdre T.D. Ikoli, Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd), Air Cdre I. Shafi’I, Col A.A. Ariyibi, Gp Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd) and Ibrahim Magu (EFCC).

According to the statement, “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.”