President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) to convene an investigative committee on the procurement of hardware and munitions in the Armed Forces from 2007 till now.
The investigative committee was mandated to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces.
A statement today by the special adviser to President Buhari on media and publicity, Femi Adesina said that already, the NSA has constituted the Investigative Committee as follows:
Air Vice Marshal J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) as President, with Riyal Admiral J.A. Aikhomu, (rtd.), Riyal Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.), Brigadier Geneneral L. Adekagun (rtd.), Brigadier General M. Aminun-Kano (rtd.), Brigadier General N. Rimtip (rtd.), Commodore T.D. Ikoli, Air Commodore U. Mohammed (rtd.), Air Commodore I. Shafi’I, Col A.A. Ariyibi, Group Captain C.A. Oriaku (rtd.) And Mr. I. Magu (EFCC) as members while Brigadier General Y.I. Shalangwa would serve as secretary.
The statement said that 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. [myad]
