By Atlantic Reports

Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said the US$1 billion earmarked for military arms procurement during his tenure was never paid into individual military service accounts.

Buratai made the statement on Monday in Abuja while delivering a keynote lecture at the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Conference and Awards Ceremony.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the funding, he said an accurate understanding of funding channels and institutional responsibilities was necessary for informed discussion of defence procurement.

His statement concerns where the money was received and administered. The supplied account did not identify the recipient accounts, the institutions that controlled disbursement or the procurement outcomes associated with the funds.

It also did not include financial records supporting his explanation. His remarks therefore represent his account of the arrangement, rather than a documentary resolution of the controversy.

Technology and military capability

Buratai addressed the procurement issue during a wider presentation on technology, intelligence-led operations and Nigeria’s national security.

He said the country’s security challenges required sustained investment in equipment and systems that could support intelligence-led operations and responses to emerging threats.

The retired general advocated greater use of artificial intelligence and integrated command systems to strengthen surveillance, intelligence analysis and operational decision-making.

He also emphasised intelligence sharing and improved coordination as important components of stronger military capability.

The conference’s theme was “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security”. It also featured the launch of DECAN’s maiden magazine, The Defence Correspondent.

Buratai’s explanation adds his position to the discussion over the arms funding. Establishing how the money was administered and what it delivered would require records showing disbursements, contracts, payments and equipment received.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.