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Ex-Army Chief Buratai Says $1 Billion Arms Fund Went to Defence Ministry
Retired Lt. General Tukur Buratai stated that a $1 billion defence procurement fund approved during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff was released to the Ministry of Defence and never passed through his personal accounts or those of the armed services. Speaking at a defence correspondents conference in Abuja, he described diversion allegations as politically motivated and called for greater transparency in military procurement.
Quick Facts
- $1 billion approved for defence procurement
- Funds released to Ministry of Defence
- Allegations of fund diversion during 2019 election period
- Keynote lecture at DECAN conference
- Proposal for Defence Procurement Transparency Portal
Retired Lt. General Tukur Buratai clarified that a $1 billion allocation approved by Nigeria's National Economic Council for defence procurement during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff was released directly to the Ministry of Defence and did not pass through his personal accounts or those of the Nigerian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Buratai made the clarification during a keynote lecture at the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Conference and Awards Ceremony in Abuja on Monday, 12 October 2026. He stated that the entire procurement process was handled by the Ministry of Defence, with the armed services never receiving direct control of the funds.
The former army chief described allegations of fund diversion as "political and malicious," noting that such claims first emerged during the 2019 election period when opposition figures alleged the money had been diverted for electoral purposes—a claim the Federal Government publicly refuted at the time. Buratai expressed concern that despite the government's refutation, the controversy had continued to affect the reputation of service chiefs rather than the Ministry of Defence, which managed the funds.
Buratai criticised the Ministry of Defence for its lack of public transparency regarding fund disbursement and contract awards. He recommended establishing a Defence Procurement Transparency Portal to publish information on contracts awarded, contracting entities, and delivery timelines, subject to national security constraints. He also proposed quarterly accountability bulletins on court-martial outcomes related to human rights violations and operational conduct.
On allegations of human rights violations by Nigerian security forces, Buratai stated that credible claims must be investigated and prosecuted where substantiated, emphasising that "the military is not above the law." He called for improved communication between the military and Ministry of Defence to address public concerns and ensure accurate media reporting on security operations.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, speaking at the same event, stated that Nigeria's security challenges cannot be addressed through military force alone, emphasising the need for improved intelligence, modern technology, and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
Why This Matters
A $1 billion defence procurement fund approved during Buratai's tenure remains disputed in accountability and usage. Buratai's public clarification at a defence conference addresses longstanding diversion allegations linked to Nigeria's 2019 election, which may affect defence sector oversight, procurement practices, and public trust in fund management. The proposal for a Defence Procurement Transparency Portal signals potential structural changes to military-civilian accountability mechanisms. Resolution of fund tracking and contract disclosure could reshape how Nigeria's security budget is monitored and reported.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2019
WireAllegations of $1 billion defence fund diversion emerge during election period; opposition claims funds diverted for electoral purposes
Jan 1, 2019
WireFederal Government publicly refutes electoral diversion allegations
Oct 12, 2026
WireRetired Lt. General Tukur Buratai delivers keynote lecture at DECAN Conference in Abuja clarifying that $1 billion fund was released to Ministry of Defence, not armed service accounts
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Sources
- $1bn arms fund went to defence ministry, not me — Ex-COAS BurataiPunch NewspapersMediaOct 12, 2026
- Infamous Former Army Chief Buratai Claims $1billion Arms Fund Paid To Defence Ministry, Not HimSahara ReportersMediaOct 13, 2026
- $1bn military arms was never paid into private accounts – BurataiVanguard NewsMediaOct 12, 2026