The Senate has said that the poor state of Army barracks across the country was as a result of ongoing wars against insurgency and banditry in the Country.

The Senate Committee on the Army stated this after it visited some military formations in Plateau and Bauchi states to carry out some oversight activities.

The Chairman of the Senate panel, Senator Ali Ndume, told journalists after the visit that money that should have been used to fix the barracks were being paid as allowances to the personnel who are participating in the wars against insurgency and banditry.

He said efforts would be made by the two chambers of the National Assembly to ensure that more money is appropriated for the renovation of old barracks as well as possible construction of new ones.

He said, “We went on oversight activities to see the conditions of the barracks as well as assess the implementation of the 2021 budget of the Army regarding some capital projects.

We assessed the implementation of the 2021 budget meant for the renovation of old structures in the barracks and the new ones being built.

“We are impressed about the quality of the jobs done and the speed at which they are being delivered.

“The conditions of the barracks is deplorable. The parameter fencing, the road network and the walls of the buildings are all dilapidated and they need complete rehabilitation or even reconstruction

“The Nigerian Army is being involved in activities that are not its primary responsibilities.

“The Nigerian Army is combatant and it is used to fighting conventional wars.

“They are now involved in duties that should ordinarily be handled by the police or other security agencies. Despite that, the Nigerian Army is doing its best.