A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has clarified that the $1bn approved for defence procurement during his tenure was released to the Ministry of Defence and not the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He made this statement at the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria Annual Conference, themed “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security.” Buratai emphasized that the funds did not pass through him or the accounts of the Nigerian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Buratai described the allegations surrounding the funds as “political and malicious,” stating that they first emerged during the 2019 election period. The opposition alleged that the money had been diverted for electoral purposes, a claim the federal government publicly refuted. Despite this, the controversy continued to affect the reputations of service chiefs. Buratai faulted the Ministry of Defence for failing to publicly explain how the funds were disbursed and contracts awarded, stressing that accountability must be properly located.
The retired army chief proposed the establishment of a defence procurement transparency portal to publish details of contracts, contracting entities, and delivery timelines, subject to national security considerations. He recommended that the Ministry of Defence own the procurement record and publish broad categories of contracts awarded, contracting entities, and delivery timelines. This, he believes, would enhance transparency and prevent similar controversies in the future.
Buratai also suggested that the Ministry of Defence should issue quarterly accountability bulletins summarizing court-martial outcomes involving human rights violations and operational conduct. He emphasized that credible allegations of human rights violations by members of the Nigerian security forces should be investigated and prosecuted where substantiated. Buratai acknowledged the need for the military to demonstrate that its disciplinary processes were credible, transparent, and capable of addressing allegations at all levels.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, speaking at the conference, said Nigeria’s security challenges could not be addressed through military force alone. He called for improved intelligence, modern technology, and stronger collaboration among security agencies and communities. Idris emphasized that military operations remained necessary but should be complemented by measures to address the conditions that enabled criminal groups to recruit members and threaten the lives and livelihoods of citizens.
Idris disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed the preparation of a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a rolling five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan to improve coordination, establish priorities, and guide the deployment of resources. He also mentioned that the President had approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Armed Forces personnel, effective September 2026, as a recognition of the sacrifices made by security personnel.
Idris stressed that security initiatives must result in tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, including safer communities and roads, protection for farmers and businesses, and an environment where children could attend school without fear. He also highlighted the importance of accurate reporting and responsible verification by the media in helping citizens understand security developments and preventing rumors from causing panic or undermining military operations.
Key points
- The $1bn approved for defence procurement during Buratai's tenure was released to the Ministry of Defence, not the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
- Buratai proposed the establishment of a defence procurement transparency portal to enhance transparency in military procurement.
- The Minister of Information and National Orientation emphasized the need for improved intelligence, modern technology, and stronger collaboration among security agencies and communities to address Nigeria's security challenges.
