Buhari approves release of $1bn for security equipment

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of $1 billion for the procurement of security equipment to fight Boko Haram insurgents.

Mansur Dan-Ali, minister of defence, disclosed this at the end of the security meeting at the presidential villa in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said the meeting was to review the security situation in the country.

“I can 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.

Apart from Ayodele Fayose, governor of Ekiti state, all other governors gave the federal government the approval to withdraw the money from the excess crude account.

Fayose had said Ekiti share of the money should be released for the fight against “Hunger Haram”, arguing that the $1 billion would be used for the reelection of Buhari.

Dan Ali also spoke about the specific issues discussed during the meeting.

“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.

“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.

“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 only schoolgirl in captivity out of the 119 students abducted in Dapchi, Yobe state, he said, “Well, we are making all available efforts to see that the girl is returned safely.”