Boko Haram: Buhari approves release of $1bn for security equipment

Speaking to newsmen after the end of the security meeting at the presidential villa in Abuja on Wednesday, Mansur Dan-Ali, minister of defence, disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of $1 billion for the procurement of security equipment to fight Boko Haram insurgents.

According to him, 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.

“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.”

It was further gathered that apart from Ayodele Fayoshe the governor of Ekiti state, all other governors gave the federal government the approval to withdraw the money from the excess crude account.

Cableng reported that Fayose said that 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.

This follows up the report of 15 persons feared dead and 55 others sustaining injuries in a Sunday night attack by Boko Haram insurgents, at Bale community in the outskirts of Maiduguri.