Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), has denied allegations that he diverted $1 billion approved for defence procurement during his tenure.
Buratai insisted that the funds were released to the Ministry of Defence and never passed through his hands or the accounts of the Nigerian Army, Navy or Air Force.
He spoke at the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Conference in Abuja on Monday.
The former COAS described the allegations as politically motivated and malicious, saying they first emerged during the 2019 general election when opposition figures alleged that the money was diverted for electoral purposes.
He explained that the National Economic Council approved the $1 billion for defence procurement, while the Ministry of Defence handled the disbursement and procurement process.
According to him, the military services did not receive any portion of the funds to initiate procurement directives, adding that although the Federal Government publicly refuted the allegations at the time, the controversy continued to tarnish the reputations of service chiefs.
Buratai faulted the Ministry of Defence for failing to publicly explain how the funds were disbursed and contracts awarded, arguing that accountability should rest with the institution that managed the money.
He said the prolonged controversy underscored the need for greater transparency in defence procurement, recommending the establishment of a Defence Procurement Transparency Portal to publish information on contracts awarded, contracting entities and delivery timelines, subject to national security considerations.
“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,” he said.
The retired army chief also proposed quarterly accountability bulletins summarising court-martial outcomes relating to human rights violations and operational conduct, provided such disclosures did not compromise the rights of accused personnel or ongoing operations.
On allegations of human rights violations by security personnel, Buratai maintained that credible claims must be investigated and prosecuted where evidence substantiates them.
He stressed that the military was not above the law and acknowledged the need for its disciplinary procedures to demonstrate credibility, transparency and the capacity to address misconduct at all levels.
He further called for improved communication by the military and the Ministry of Defence to address public concerns and ensure that media reports on security operations reflected the full context of events.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be resolved through military force alone.
Idris, who was represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, stressed the need for reliable intelligence, modern technology and stronger collaboration among security agencies and local communities.
He said military operations remained necessary but must be complemented by measures to tackle conditions that enable criminal groups to recruit members and threaten citizens’ lives and livelihoods.
He said the theme of the DECAN conference was particularly relevant amid evolving security threats, noting that effective responses required intelligence-driven operations, improved coordination and cooperation with communities.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places national security at the centre of the country’s development, with the administration pursuing modernisation of the Armed Forces, improved surveillance and stronger coordination among security and intelligence agencies.
The minister disclosed that Tinubu directed the preparation of a comprehensive National Threat Assessment and a rolling five-year Strategic Defence Operations Plan in August 2026 to strengthen coordination, establish priorities and guide resource deployment.
He described the initiative as an important step towards developing a more coherent national response to emerging security threats.
Idris also disclosed that the President 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 security personnel.
He said security initiatives must produce tangible benefits for Nigerians, including safer communities and roads, protection for farmers and businesses and an environment where children could attend school without fear.
On media coverage of security operations, Idris emphasised the importance of accurate reporting and responsible verification in helping citizens understand developments and preventing rumours from creating panic or undermining military operations.
He, however, cautioned that responsible reporting should not be interpreted as shielding the government or security agencies from scrutiny.
“Journalists must keep asking difficult questions and hold institutions accountable, while respecting legitimate operational sensitivities,” he said.
