President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Security Adviser to set up an investigative committee on the procurement of hardware and munitions in the Armed Forces from 2007 till date.
President Buhari, according to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, mandated the investigative committee to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces.
The presidential statement added, “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.”
Sequel to the presidential order, the National Security Adviser, Retired Major-General Babagana Mongunu has constituted the Investigative Committee with Air Vice Marshal J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) as its Chairman and Brigadier General Y.I. Shalangwa as Secretary. Other members of the committee are: Rear Admiral J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.), Rear Admiral E. Ogbor (rtd.), Brigadier Geneeal L. Adekagun (rtd.) and Brigadier General M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.).
Also included in the panel are Brigadier General N. Rimtip (rtd.), Commodore T.D. Ikoli, Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.), Air Cdre I. Shafi’i, Colonel A.A. Ariyibi and Group Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.) as well as Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC).
By Olisemeka Obeche
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