Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has asked the President, Muhammad Buhari, to begin probing into the alleged missing arms funds cited by the National Security Adviser, NSA, General Babagana Monguno, Rtd, against the past service chiefs.
During an interview with BBC Hausa, Monguno said, “neither the money approved by Buhari for arms was met on ground when the new service chiefs assumed office.”
The retired general comment garners several reactions from Nigerians on social media.
Office of the NSA, in a bid to clear the air, released a signed statement by Monguno, stating that he was quoted out of context, claiming that the funds meant for arms procurement were not missing under the former service chiefs contrary to the reports transcribed by media outlets from his interview.
Deputy Director of SERAP, Kolawole Oluwadare, in a statement, said the NSA’s denial should not bury the issue while reacting to the news.
The SERPA deputy director further urged that President Buhari order the EFCC to investigate the missing arms funds.
“Any allegations of corruption in the spending of the public fund must be promptly, thoroughly, and transparently investigated.
“Suspected perpetrators should equally be brought to book if there is relevant, admissible evidence.
“Also, any missing public funds must be fully recovered and returned to the treasury.
“Finally, investigating and prosecuting the allegations would help Nigerians know if the funds meant to defend the country and for purchase of arms to empower Nigerian soldiers have been transparently and accountably spent,” the statement reveals.