EFCC Probes 12 Top Army Officers

Some Top brass officers of the Nigerian army are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the $2.1billion arms deal funds that were diverted during the last administration.

The army officers includes twelve officers – 3 serving major generals, a retired major general, 3 brigadier generals, 4 colonels, and one lieutenant colonel.

The top officers who are being interrogated by the anti-graft agency for their alleged involvement in the deal, were said to have been referred to the EFCC by the army authorities following an internal probe.

A security source familiar with the investigation revealed to The Nation that it was a ‘monumental fraud’.

“This is the most crucial aspect of the $2.1billion arms deals because the Nigerian Army was at the centre of the procurement. The case of the Nigerian Air Force might be a child’s play.”

Another source was quoted to have said: “Already, we have started interrogating the officers referred to the commission. At the appropriate time, we will release their names to the public.”

“Certainly, we will interact with two former Chiefs of Army Staff on the procurement process and inventory of arms and military hardware.”

In spite of being investigated by the EFCC, those found guilty will be tried by a Military Court Martial, says the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman.

“However it should be noted that at the end of the commission’s investigations, those found culpable will be tried by a Military Court Martial.”