Buratai Says $1bn Defence Procurement Fund Was Released to Defence Ministry

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has said the $1bn approved for defence procurement during his tenure was released to the Ministry of Defence and did not pass through his hands or the accounts of the Nigerian Army, Navy or Air Force.

Buratai spoke on Monday at a conference organised by the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja, where he addressed the controversy surrounding the funds approved by the National Economic Council.

He described allegations that the money had been diverted for electoral purposes as “political and malicious”, saying they first emerged during the 2019 election period.

According to the retired army chief, the Federal Government publicly refuted the allegations at the time, but the controversy continued to affect the reputations of service chiefs rather than the institution responsible for managing the funds.

“The $1 billion was approved by the National Economic Council for defence procurement. Not a single dollar of that fund passed through my hands or through the accounts of the Nigerian Army, Navy, or Air Force,” Buratai said.

He maintained that the Ministry of Defence handled the procurement process and faulted it for not publicly explaining how the funds were disbursed or how contracts were awarded.

“The ministry then, on its own, had not publicly explained how funds were disbursed or contracts awarded. Accountability must be properly located,” he said.

Buratai Proposes Defence Procurement Transparency Portal

Buratai called for greater transparency in military procurement, recommending the establishment of a Defence Procurement Transparency Portal to provide public information on contracts, contracting entities and delivery timelines, subject to national security considerations.

He said the Ministry of Defence should take responsibility for maintaining procurement records and providing explanations when questions arise about public spending.

“The Ministry of Defence must own procurement records,” he said, arguing that the controversy had persisted partly because the institution that managed the funds had remained silent while service chiefs faced criticism.

The former army chief also proposed quarterly accountability bulletins summarising court-martial outcomes relating to human rights violations and operational conduct. He said the publications should protect the rights of accused personnel and avoid compromising ongoing military operations.

Buratai Calls for Investigation of Human Rights Allegations

On allegations of human rights violations by security personnel, Buratai said credible claims should be investigated and prosecuted where substantiated.

“The military is not above the law,” he said, stressing the need for disciplinary procedures that are credible, transparent and capable of addressing allegations at all levels.

He also called for better communication by the military and the Ministry of Defence, saying clearer explanations of security operations could help address public concerns and ensure reports reflect the full context of events.

Minister Calls for Intelligence-Led Security Operations

Speaking at the conference, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said Nigeria’s security challenges could not be resolved through military force alone.

Idris, who was represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, called for reliable intelligence, modern technology, better coordination among security agencies and stronger cooperation with local communities.

He said military operations remained necessary but should be supported by measures to address the conditions that allow criminal groups to recruit members and threaten lives and livelihoods.

The minister added that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda placed national security at the centre of the country’s development priorities, with efforts focused on modernising the Armed Forces, improving surveillance and strengthening coordination among security and intelligence agencies.

Idris disclosed that Tinubu had directed the preparation of a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a rolling five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan in August 2026 to improve coordination, establish priorities and guide resource deployment.

He also said the President had approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Armed Forces personnel, effective September 2026, describing the decision as recognition of their sacrifices.

Minister Urges Responsible Security Reporting

Idris said security initiatives must deliver practical benefits for Nigerians, including safer communities and roads, better protection for farmers and businesses, and safer access to schools.

He also highlighted the media’s role in reporting security developments accurately and verifying information to prevent rumours from causing panic or undermining military operations.

However, the minister cautioned that responsible reporting should not prevent journalists from scrutinising the government and security agencies.

“Journalists must keep asking difficult questions and hold institutions accountable, while respecting legitimate operational sensitivities,” he said.