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Nigeria to probe generals over arms fraud | Nigeria to probe generals over arms fraud |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Twelve senior Nigerian army officers have been handed over to the anti-corruption agency for their alleged involvement in an arms scandal. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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, has gone missing. | It alleged that the money, which was meant to buy arms to fight the Islamist Boko Haram group, 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Suspects released | |
Several close associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan are also facing trial in connection with the scandal. | 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. | During the fight against Boko Haram, many soldiers reported that they did not have enough equipment to take on the insurgents. |
Mr Buhari, who came to power last May, was largely elected on a promise to tackle corruption. | Mr Buhari, who came to power last May, was largely elected on a promise to tackle corruption. |
Meanwhile the army has released 275 people arrested on suspicion of being members of Boko Haram in the north-eastern Borno state after they were found to have no links with the Islamist group. | |
They included 142 men, 49 women, 22 boys and 50 girls, a spokesman for the state governor, Usman Kumo, told the BBC Hausa service. | |
It is not clear how long they were in detention. | |
Last year, Amnesty International accused the military of maltreating detainees and said since 2011 more than 8,000 people had died in custody during the fight against Boko Haram. | |
Earlier this month, the UK-based campaign group criticised the reinstatement of an army general it accuses of committing war crimes. | |
The military said the allegations were being investigated. |
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