In a briefing with newsmen, the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adesina gave reasons why the President constituted the panel.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.), has acted on the instruction of President Buhari and constituted a 13 man panel to look into the procurements of arms and ammunition for the Armed Forces.
Speaking to newsmen, Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adesina, gave reasons why the President constituted the panel.
He 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.”
Adding that “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 on 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," Adesina said.
The names of the members of the Arms procurement probe panel are:
1. AVM J.O.N. Ode (rtd.) - Chairman.
2. Brig-Gen. Y. I. Shalangwa- Secretary.
3. Rear Admiral J. A. Aikhomu (rtd.)
4. Rear Admiral E. Ogbor (rtd.)
5. Brig-Gen. L. Adekagun (rtd.)
6. Brig-Gen. M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.)
7. Brig-Gen N. Rimtip (rtd.)
8. Commodore T. D. Ikoli.
9. Air Commodore U. Mohammed (rtd.)
10. Air Commodore I. Shafi’i.
11. Col A. A. Ariyibi.
12. GP Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.)
13. Mr. I. Magu (EFCC).