President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Security Adviser, retired Major General Babagana Monguno, to convene an investigative committee on the procurement of hardware and munitions for the Armed Forces from 2007 till now.
The investigative committee’s mandate is to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the Armed Forces.
In those years, late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan presided over the affairs of the country.
Jonathan was in charge in the last six years.
Following the directive by the President, Monguno has constituted the Investigative Committee.
The Committee members are:
AVM J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) – President
R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.) – Member
R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.) – Member
Brig Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.) – Member
Brig Gen M. Aminun-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. I. Magu (EFCC) – Member
Brig Gen Y.I. Shalangwa – Secretary.
The establishment of the investigative committee, a statement on Monday said, 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.