Buratai reacts to allegations of missing $1bn military funding under his reign

Tukur Buratai, a former chief of army staff, has reacted to allegations that about $1bn could not be accounted for under his tenure as a service chief.

The Cable reports that Buratai, who spoke through his lawyer Osuagwu Ugochukwu on Friday, March 12, 2021, denied any wrongdoing.

News reports on Friday had quoted the National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Monguno as saying during an interview that some military funds were unaccounted for after new service chiefs came in.

Monguno has since clarified his comment which he said were quoted out of context.

Buratai also denied being mentioned in connection with the alleged missing funds just as he noted that the National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno has already denied.

A statement from Osuagwu read in part:

“I can confirm that Lt. General Buratai and other ex-service chiefs were never mentioned in the interview and neither was any arms fund missing under the stewardship of Lt. Gen T.Y. Buratai."

“Interestingly, NSA Babagana Monguno has denied making such accusations. We, therefore, urge members of the public to discountenance any such misquoted narrative suggesting sleaze on the integrity of Rtd Lt Gen T.Y. Buratai."

For further clarification on how funds were spent under his administration, Buratai directed those interested in knowing to the proper authorities.

The statement added:

“Anyone interested in knowing how arms were procured by the ex-service chiefs and particularly Lt Gen T.Y. Buratai should channel such request for information to the Ministry of Defence.”