Nigeria to probe generals over arms fraud

Twelve senior Nigerian army officers have been handed over to the anti-corruption agency for their alleged involvement in an arms scandal.

The army did not name them, but said they included six serving generals.

If the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) finds enough evidence against them, they would be tried in a military court, the army said.

A presidential inquiry last year found that fake contracts worth $2bn (£1.3bn) were awarded by last administration.

It alleged that the money, which was meant to buy arms to fight the Islamist Boko Haram group in Nigeria, has gone missing.
The former national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, was charged in December in connection with the case involving $68M that is alleged to be missing.
He was accused of awarding phantom contracts to buy helicopters, fighter jets and ammunition, which he denied.
Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman said the 12 officers referred to the EFCC included three serving major generals, one retired major general, three brigadier generals, four colonels and a lieutenant colonel.

The army’s announcement follows President Muhammadu Buhari’s order last month to investigate 20 former military chiefs and officers over the alleged arms procurement fraud.
Several close associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan are also facing trial in connection with the scandal.
During the fight against Boko Haram, many soldiers reported that they did not have enough equipment to take on the insurgents.
Buhari, who came to power last May, was largely elected on a promise to tackle corruption.