EFCC To Launch Fresh Investigations Into Missing N3bn ‘Military Operation’ Cash

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC) is set to launch an investigation into how the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) utilised the multi-billion naira it collected from some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for military operations between 2007 and 2015.

The anti-graft agency is expected to probe 56 individuals and organisations, including two former army chiefs – Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah —and former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki, over N405 billion defence contracts scam.

The MDAs were said to have funded the Nigerian Army procurement through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

A document obtained by The Nation said ONSA collected various sums from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), among others for military operations, but the Defence Headquarters and the Services denied receipt of the money.

The document said: “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on 13 May 2013 requested funds for the conduct of Operation BOYONA aimed at dislodging terrorists camps along the common borders with Cameroun, Chad and Niger.

“Consequently, the government released N1,340,000,000. 00 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which were disbursed to DHQ and the Services accordingly.

“In August 2013, ONSA requested and got approval for additional N2,000,000,000.00 for logistics requirements and sustenance of troops, which was credited to ONSA’s account.

“However, DHQ and the Services confirmed non receipt of any additional funds for Operation BOYONA.

“The Committee is of the view that the then NSA, Lt Col MS Dasuki (rtd) should be made to account for the N2,000,000,000.00.

“The Committee also noted that between 3 September 2014 and 30 April 2015, NIMASA funded accounts of the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield with various sums totalling N8,542,586,798.58 purportedly to enhance operations of the JTF in the Niger Delta. Neither the need assessment that warranted the release of funds nor the details of the expenditure was made available to the Committee.

“However, analyses of the accounts of the Joint Task Force showed that transfers totalling N6,277,698,885.13 were made to the following companies for yet to be established purposes:

Jaggan Lt-N1,764,721,724.12
East Point Integrated Services Ltd-N1,660,514,283.79
Al Nald Ltd-N804,893,064.22
Jaggan Trading Company Ltd – N 791,939,812.00
Paper Warehouse Ltd -N500,315,000.00
New Building Services -N330,000,000.00
Jaggan Global Services –N 250,315,000.00
UVN Global Services Ltd- N 175,000,000.00
Also for probe are 18 serving and retired military officers, a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, three former permanent secretaries, eight former and serving directors in the Ministry of Defence, and 24 companies.

The investigation follows the recommendation of the Air Vice Marshal (AVM) JON Ode Presidential Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement (CADEP).

The money spent between 2007 and 2015 is N185,8 billion and $685,349,692.49 million

The probe’s outcome will determine who among the short listed 56 persons and companies will be arraigned.

The document added: “In continuation of its assignment, the Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment Procurement (CADEP) in the Nigerian Armed Forces analysed procurement contracts awarded by or for the Nigerian Army between 2007 and 2015.

“The Committee so far noted that within the period under review, the sum of N71,775,313,451.30 and $685,349,692.49 was spent on Nigerian Army procurement by the Ministries of Defence, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Environment. Others were the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).”