Buhari okays release of $1bn for military equipment

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of the sum of $1 billion (N360 billion) for the procurement of military equipment to enhance their ability to fight insecurity in the country.

Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali revealed this to State House correspondents after a security meeting presided over by the president at the presidential villa, Abuja on Thursday.

“What I can add, after all, that I have said is to inform you that of recent, our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari gave approval for the purchase of more equipment for the military, worth $1 billion,” he said.

The National Economic Council (NEC) had recently authorized the president to withdraw the sum of $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) even though some state governors kicked against it.

The ECA belongs to all tiers of government in the country.

The minister said Wednesday’s meeting was a normal one called to review the security situation of the country.

“This is a normal meeting of security agencies in the country. As usual, we discussed the current activities that affected most of the states in the federation like Taraba, Zamfara and other states,” he said.

On what to expect after the more military deployment in Zamfara state, Dan-Ali said: “Well, as usual, we have operationalised a Division in Sokoto, there will be a Brigade in Katsina and another Brigade in Zamfara that will take care of security situation in that area.”

Asked if that will bring the killings in the area to an end, he said: “Of course, the strength of security personnel has increased including the Air Force additional quick response group, they have added enough manpower in that area.”

On the release of Leah Sharibu, the sole Christian girl from Dapchi still in Boko Haram custody,
Dan-Ali said: “Well, we are making all available efforts to see that the girl is returned safely.”