Buhari will investigate supply of military weapons – Presidency

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu says in an interview on a Channels Television programme titled ''Politics Today'' on Sunday President Buhari would launch a full scale investigation into the awards of contracts for the supply of military weapons by the immediate past government.

''The president is interested in every penny that leaves the Nigeria’s treasury,'' Shehu told Channels. ''As you are aware, records are being checked right now, not only in the oil sector, but also in the various departments of government. So, Mr President is really interested in what has happened to the equipment that have supposedly been bought and supplied, some of which might be there on the ground and might not be. Only a thorough audit will actually reveal this. The disclosure has been made about substandard in the Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram.''

On the fight against Boko Haram.

President Muhammadu Buhari wants to urgently end Boko Haram. In fact, some semblance of normalcy is being restored. Right now, there is no territory in the control of Boko Haram. The insurgents have been degraded. They are in disarray without a central command and coordination.

On the feasibility of local production of military equipment as directed by Buhari on Friday.

''This government is guided by major principles and I will imagine that environment will be created for investment in the defence industry.''

On equipping the armed forces.

''Mr President is not going to send troops to the war without ensuring that they are properly equipped and without sensuring that they are properly taken care of. Just on Friday, at the National Defence College, Mr President was committing himself to the fact that our military will be well taken care of in terms of their welfare, in terms of their equipment and in terms of the motivation they need to confront these insurgents. We’re already beginning to see the fruits of this because as we speak right now, Boko Haram is in disarray. And what we are witnessing now; that is, occasional bombings and suicide attacks, characterise only one thing globally. And that is that, the dying days of the insurgency. It's just a matter of time, we'll get there''.