We’re yet to receive the $1bn approved by Buhari for arms– Army

The Nigerian Army says it is yet to receive the $1 billion approved by President Muhammadu Buhari to fight insurgency and other security challenges in the country.

Responding to questions on Weekend File, a news programme on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Sani Usman, spokesman of the army, said the money is still being processed.

“People should understand also that this is a democratic system in which procurement and of course funding of defense related issues takes such a long time,” he said.

“Take for instance the issue of the $1 billion approved recently by Mr. President, up till now the process is ongoing. The ministry of defense is still pursuing the matter to the point that when it is done, the armed forces will definitely get more equipment, more arms and ammunition.”

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Usman said what the armed forces have and what have been procured over the last two to three years are being used judiciously.

On Boko Haram’s recent attacks of military formations in the north-east which have been blamed on lack of sufficient equipment, Usman said “to the best of our abilities, all the necessary equipment, ammunition and arms are being given.”

He expressed sadness over the recent killings of troops, especially in Metele, Borno State, but warned that legal action would be taken against those fabricating casualty figures.

“So sad and unfortunate that our troops came under enemy attack on the 18th of last month and we suffered causality as we mentioned. Sadly, we lost 23 gallant officers and men and of course some of them sustained injuries,” he said.

“In respect of the effort, we are trying as much as possible to make sure that first and foremost we give timely and accurate information on all our activities and operations bearing national security concern.

“And then secondly, we have gone a north further to identify where those fake news and fabricated stories are coming from, and definitely our legal department is taking step to make sure that all those involved would be taken to court.

He added that Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, and the hierarchy of the army have been going round to meet with the troops in different locations.

In 2017, the National Economic Council (NEC) approved the request of the federal government to withdraw $1 billion from the excess crude account (ECA) for the fight against insurgency.

Following the furore that greeted the approval, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said in April that the president’s approval was not final as a draft bill would be sent to the National Assembly for consideration.

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