The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Tukur Buratai on Monday inaugurated a committee to confirm the status of arms in all its Nigerian Army formations.
Lieutenant General Yusuf Buratai speaking during the ceremony held at the Army headquarters noted that there was a need to have accurate records of the holding in various depots and arms stores across the Nigerian Army.
Buratai explained that though the verification exercise is carried out annually or when necessary, the army has an existing procedure for checks and balances in which formations and units render computerized arms returns for accounting purposes.
He however noted that these laid down procedures have over time been jettisoned or compromised for various reasons.
He added that the exercise has become necessary because the army has procured different types of arms for the conduct of training and operations.
His words, “However, we have discovered that some of these weapons were delivered straight to various theatres of operation without following the proper process of documentation and accounting.
“This has sometimes resulted in double accounting by many formations especially those involved in counter-insurgency and other military operations in aid of civil authority. The resultant effect of these improper arms handling has necessitated the need to reconcile and constantly update returns in line with data bases held at the Army Headquarters..
He urged that committee to go round all the units and formations in the NA to verify the arms holdings with a view to enhancing efficient planning support for ongoing Army operations.
He warned the committee to treat the assignment with the seriousness and secrecy it deserves and render a comprehensive report on completion of the verification exercise.
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