Buratai inaugurates 8-man panel to probe Danjuma’s allegation

The Nigerian Army has set up a panel to probe the allegations made by Theophilus Danjuma, former minister of defence.

Speaking at the maiden convocation of the Taraba State University, Danjuma alleged that the army had lost its professionalism.

He accused the army and other security agencies of colliding with killers to attack Nigerians.

“The armed forces are not neutral. They collude with the armed bandits. They kill people, kill Nigerians. They facilitate their movements, they cover them,” Danjuma had said.

“If you depend on the armed forces to stop the killings you will all die one by one.”

The army had denied the allegation, asking Nigerians to disregard the statement of the elder statesman.

But on Monday, Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, inaugurated a panel to examine the issues raised by Danjuma.

Buratai mandated the committee to thoroughly investigate and unravel the allegations made by the elder statesman who was once a chief of army staff.

“Most recently on the 24th of March, 2018, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (rtd), speaking during the convocation of the Taraba State University, alleged that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, colluded with the armed bandits and other criminal elements in the society,” Buratai said.

“Statement of this nature could damage the reputation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and thus cannot be ignored if the Nigerian Army is to continue to earn the trust of the populace.

“Thus, it became imperative for the Nigerian Army to set up this panel to confirm the veracity or otherwise of this allegation.”

John Nimyel, a major-general is the chairman of the committee, while Gambo Mohammed, a colonel, is the secretary.

Other members of the committee are Alexander Ridley, Stanly Eze, Saka Abubakar, Sani Mohammed and Kayode Olajide, all top army officers.

Comfort David, a civil activist and Abudu Aladoja, a lawyer, are also members of the committee.