BURATAI DENIES DIVERTING $1BN DEFENCE FUND, CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY IN MILITARY PROCUREMENT

By Anthonia N. Okwuolise

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai (retd.), has denied allegations that he diverted the $1 billion approved for defence procurement during his tenure, insisting that the funds were handled by the Federal Ministry of Defence and never passed through his hands or the accounts of the Nigerian Army, Navy or Air Force.

Buratai made the clarification at the 2026 Conference of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja on Monday, where he called for greater transparency, institutional accountability and improved public communication in the management of defence procurement and national security affairs.

The retired Army chief described the allegations against him as politically motivated and malicious, explaining that the controversy emerged during the 2019 general election, when opposition figures alleged that the money had been diverted for electoral purposes. He maintained that the funds were approved by the National Economic Council for defence procurement, while the Ministry of Defence was responsible for managing the disbursement and procurement process.

According to Buratai, the military services did not receive any portion of the funds to initiate procurement directives. He added that although the Federal Government publicly refuted the allegations at the time, the absence of a comprehensive public account of the transactions had allowed the controversy to persist, with service chiefs continuing to face criticism over funds they maintained they did not control.

He faulted the Ministry of Defence for failing to provide a detailed public explanation of how the money was disbursed, which contracts were awarded and what equipment was expected to be delivered. He argued that accountability should be directed at the institution responsible for managing the funds, stressing that transparency was essential to resolving lingering questions about the procurement process.

“The Ministry of Defence must own procurement records. When the media asks where the money went, the answer should come from the ministry that spent it, not from military officers who never touched it,” Buratai said.

To address such concerns and strengthen public confidence in defence spending, the former Army chief proposed the establishment of a Defence Procurement Transparency Portal that would publish information on contracts awarded, contracting entities and expected delivery timelines, subject to necessary national security restrictions.

He maintained that making non-sensitive procurement information accessible to the public would improve oversight, help journalists verify claims and provide a clearer picture of how resources allocated to national defence were being utilised. His proposal also highlights the importance of ensuring that defence expenditure translates into equipment, operational capability and improved protection for citizens.

Buratai further called for the publication of quarterly accountability bulletins summarising court-martial outcomes involving alleged human rights violations and operational misconduct. He stressed that credible allegations against military personnel must be investigated and prosecuted where the evidence supports such action, while ensuring that the rights of accused persons and the integrity of ongoing operations are protected.

Maintaining that the military was not above the law, he emphasised the need for disciplinary procedures that demonstrate credibility, fairness and the capacity to address misconduct at every level. He also called for improved communication by the military and the Ministry of Defence to address public concerns and ensure that reports on security operations are presented with adequate context.

The discussions at the DECAN conference also highlighted the need for a broader approach to Nigeria’s security challenges, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressing that military force alone could not provide a lasting solution to insecurity.

Idris, who was represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, said effective national security required reliable intelligence, modern technology and stronger collaboration among security agencies and local communities. He noted that although military operations remained necessary, they must be complemented by measures to address the conditions that enable criminal groups to recruit members, sustain their activities and threaten citizens’ lives and livelihoods.

The minister described the conference theme as particularly relevant in view of evolving security threats, noting that intelligence-led operations, improved coordination and cooperation with local communities were essential to developing a more effective national response.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places national security at the centre of the country’s development priorities, with the administration pursuing the modernisation of the Armed Forces, improved surveillance capabilities and stronger coordination among security and intelligence agencies.

Idris disclosed that the President 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 clear priorities and guide the deployment of resources against emerging threats.

He described the initiative as an important step towards creating a more coordinated national security framework capable of identifying threats early and directing resources towards the country’s most pressing security concerns.

The minister also disclosed that Tinubu had approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for Armed Forces personnel, effective September 2026, describing the decision as recognition of the sacrifices made by men and women serving the country.

He stressed, however, that the ultimate measure of security policy must be its impact on the everyday lives of Nigerians. According to him, security initiatives should translate into safer communities and roads, better protection for farmers and businesses, and an environment in which children can attend school without fear.

Addressing the role of the media, Idris emphasised the importance of accurate reporting and responsible verification in helping citizens understand security developments and preventing rumours from generating unnecessary panic or undermining military operations.

He cautioned, however, that responsible journalism should never be interpreted as shielding the government or security agencies from scrutiny. Rather, he said, journalists must continue to ask difficult questions and demand accountability while respecting legitimate operational sensitivities.

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

The positions expressed at the conference underscore the complex balance Nigeria must strike between strengthening its security capabilities, protecting public resources and maintaining public confidence in the institutions entrusted with national defence.

While Buratai’s demand for the publication of procurement records has renewed attention on the need for documentary evidence to clarify the handling of the $1 billion fund, the broader discussion has also highlighted the importance of credible intelligence, technological advancement, institutional coordination and professional accountability.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security strategy will depend not only on the resources committed to defence or the strength of military operations, but also on the transparency of public institutions, the proper use of allocated funds and the ability of security policies to deliver measurable improvements in the safety and well-being of Nigerians.