President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of $1bn for the procurement of security equipment to fight insurgency.
The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of a meeting Buhari had with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The President was also said to have asked the security chiefs to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi schoolgirl still being held by Boko Haram because she allegedly refused to renounce Christianity.
“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.
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.”
[…] The President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki has disclosed that some senators are angry they were not consulted over the $1 billion approved for the procurement of security equipment in the country. […]