Buhari approves the release of $1bn to purchase military equipment for the fight against Boko Haram

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of $1bn for the procurement of security equipment to be used in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists by the Nigerian military.

Earlier today, defence minister General Mansur Dan-Ali, disclosed this at the end of a national security council meeting. He added that the meeting presided over by President Buhari was called to review the security situation in the country.

General Dan-Ali said: “I can inform you that of recent, our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, gave approval for the purchase of more equipment for the military, worth $1bn. This is a normal meeting of security agencies in the country and as usual, we discussed the current activities that affected most of the states in the federation like Taraba, Zamfara and other states.

"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.”

However, Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, said that the $1bn would be used for the re-election of President Buhari. Next year, Nigeria goes to the polls and traditionally, security funding has been used by ruling parties to fund their election campaigns.