We are not financially strong enough to handle Boko Haram – Army

The Nigerian Army yesterday affirmed that its soldiers could not effectively fight the war against insurgency in the country due to inadequate funding. The Chief of Accounts and Budget (army), Maj.-Gen. Abdullahi Muraina, made this known at Jaji, near Kaduna at a training programme for the Nigerian Army Finance Corps Warrant Officers and Senior Non- Commissioned officers. According to him, the Army could not effectively confront the terror group because it lacks adequate funding. His words, “Currently, budgetary allocation for the military is inadequate to meet the contemporary security challenges and also cater for the welfare of the Nigerian Army.” The army chief also further observed that aside financial challenges, the army was entangled in bureaucratic drawbacks regarding approval funds set aside for military operations across the country. He therefore called on the Federal Government to develop other means of funding and supporting military operations aside the usual budgetary allocations. Muraina also described Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers as the backbone of regimentation in the Nigerian Army. He calls for immediate review of the situation.“This calls for a review as the increasing speed at which the effects of conflicts appear in the operational environment will continue to challenge commanders. “It is our humble appeal that government could evolve other means of funding and supporting military operations other than the normal budgetary allocations. “Such means include but not limited to strategic cooperation and liason with other civil industries for the production of uniforms and other equipment. “A special operation fund could be included in defence budget and placed under the control of the Chief of Army Staff. “The increasing dynamic environment coupled with continued technogical development in the country and our immediate neighbours have spurred the Nigerian Army to place high premium on efficiency, proficiency and professionalism of officers and soldiers,” he added.