$1BN ARMS FUND WENT TO DEFENCE MINISTRY, NOT ME — EX-COAS BURATAI

Former Chief of Army Staff clarifies that the $1 billion approved for defence procurement during his tenure was managed directly by the Ministry of Defence rather than the Nigerian Army  

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has addressed lingering controversies regarding the $1 billion special security fund approved during his tenure, clarifying that the funds were disbursed directly to the Ministry of Defence rather than handled by the military high command.  

Speaking on the procurement process for military equipment, the former army chief explained that financial allocations for major hardware acquisitions were administered through civil defense structures, dismissing allegations of financial diversion against the service chiefs.  

Buratai emphasized that the Nigerian Army under his leadership operated within strict legal boundaries and institutional mandates, ensuring that operational requisitions were processed via official channels at the ministry level.

Reflecting on his leadership during the height of anti-insurgency operations, he highlighted major operational achievements, including the reclamation of vast swathes of territorial land previously seized by Boko Haram insurgents across the North East region.  

He further pointed to the advancement of domestic defense industrial capabilities during his tenure, noting that partnerships with local manufacturers yielded indigenous Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles and tactical equipment to support frontline troops.  

The former army chief urged commentators and political stakeholders to refrain from spreading misinformed allegations, maintaining that records of defense procurement remain verifiable within the Ministry of Defence and relevant oversight institutions.