Buratai Speaks on Insurgency Fight, Stewardship, and Arms Procurement Controversy

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd.), has opened up about his tenure in the fight against insurgency, defending his leadership while acknowledging lingering challenges in Nigeria’s security landscape. Speaking on Arise News this morning, Buratai addressed critical issues ranging from intelligence gathering to allegations of mismanaged military funds, while also highlighting key achievements under his command.

The War Against Insurgency: Did Buratai Deliver?

Buratai, who served as Nigeria’s Army Chief from 2015 to 2021, affirmed that significant progress was made in reclaiming lost territories from Boko Haram and strengthening the Nigerian Army.

“Before 2015, Boko Haram had defined a territory of roughly 120,000 square kilometers. They had cut off several parts of the North-East, including Michika, Madagali, and the borders with Chad and Cameroon. By the time I left office, we had reclaimed all of these,” he stated.

Under his leadership, the Nigerian Army successfully cleared insurgents from multiple local government areas in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, restoring governance in places that were previously under terrorist control. The military also reopened major highways that had been inaccessible for years due to Boko Haram attacks, such as the Maiduguri-Bama road and the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway.

Buratai emphasized that a major focus of his strategy was intelligence-led operations, particularly between 2019 and 2020.

“We had a strategy to track insurgents’ logistics, from arms suppliers to food and fuel distributors. If intelligence operations had continued at the same intensity, more progress would have been made,” he stated.

However, when questioned about the military’s use of intelligence to identify terrorist financiers, Buratai clarified that such responsibilities fall under agencies like the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). He acknowledged the synergy between the army and NFIU but reiterated that financial tracking of terrorist sponsors is primarily a task for civilian intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Transforming the Nigerian Army
Beyond counterinsurgency, Buratai spearheaded several modernization initiatives within the Nigerian Army.

Some of his key achievements include:

Expansion and Reorganization: He established new military commands and formations, including the Nigerian Army Special Forces Command and the Army Aviation Corps, aimed at improving rapid response to threats.

Acquisition of Modern Equipment: Under his leadership, the Army procured new armored vehicles, artillery systems, and combat drones to enhance operational effectiveness.

Infrastructural Development: Several military barracks and training facilities were rehabilitated, improving the welfare of soldiers. The Army University Biu was also established to strengthen research and professional military education.

Increased Local Production of Military Hardware: Buratai encouraged indigenous defense manufacturing, leading to the production of mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles and small arms in collaboration with local defense industries.

The Arms Procurement Scandal: A “False and Malicious” Allegation?

Responding to controversies surrounding alleged mismanagement of funds meant for arms procurement, Buratai dismissed these claims as “false and malicious.”

“There was no single fund given to me directly. Every budgetary release was properly accounted for. The $1 billion security fund that has been the subject of speculation was handled by the Ministry of Defence, not the Army,” he asserted.

He further revealed that all military procurement and spending were duly reported to appropriate authorities and that records exist to verify the legitimacy of transactions. He challenged critics to conduct proper investigations rather than rely on “politically motivated” narratives.

Buratai’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

While Buratai’s tenure remains a subject of debate, his supporters argue that he laid the foundation for modernizing the Nigerian Army and restoring territorial control from insurgents. However, critics maintain that insurgency and insecurity remain significant challenges, despite the gains recorded under his leadership.

As Nigeria continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats, the question remains: Has the country built upon Buratai’s military reforms and superlative achievement , or is it still fighting the same battles with different leadership?

EFCC Arraigns Jude Okoye Over Multi-Million Dollar Theft and Money Laundering Allegations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign Jude Okoye, the elder brother of popular Nigerian music duo Peter Okoye (Mr. P) and Paul Okoye (Rudeboy), over alleged financial crimes amounting to $1,019,763.87 and £34,537.59. The former manager of the defunct P-Square group will face trial on Tuesday at the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja on fresh charges of theft and misappropriation of royalties.

The EFCC has filed four counts of theft against Okoye before Justice Rahman Oshodi. However, his scheduled arraignment on Monday was stalled due to logistical issues at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, which had not received the necessary information for his appearance in Ikeja.

Allegations Against Jude Okoye

According to the charge marked Ref/99260/2025, the anti-graft agency alleges that Okoye dishonestly converted $767,544.15, a sum paid to Lex Records Limited for music digital distribution and publishing royalties, thereby depriving Peter Okoye of his rightful share. The charge further states that between 2016 and 2023, Okoye converted £34,537.59, also paid by Lex Records Limited, without authorization or consent.

The EFCC also accuses Okoye of misappropriating $133,566.49 received from Kobalt Music for digital distribution and publishing royalties, along with an additional $118,652.23 paid by Mtech Limited, all of which allegedly belonged to Peter Okoye. These offences, the commission asserts, contravene Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Previous Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions

In a separate case, Okoye was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on February 26, 2025, on charges of money laundering involving N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. He was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on seven counts of financial crimes.

According to the EFCC, Okoye and Northside Music Limited allegedly acquired a property valued at N850 million at No. 5 Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, using proceeds from illicit financial activities. The agency further alleges that in 2022, Okoye used a Bureau De Change to convert $1,019,762.87 from an Access Bank account into naira and subsequently transferred the funds to various accounts in an attempt to obscure the origin of the money.

Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Okoye was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending a bail ruling. On Monday, Justice Alexander Owoeye granted him bail in the sum of N100 million with two sureties in like sum. The court mandated that one of the sureties must be a landed property owner, while the other must be a business owner with a verifiable address. The judge further directed that the sureties present an affidavit of means and that the property title as well as their Bank Verification Number (BVN) be deposited with the court.

Justice Owoeye also imposed a travel restriction on Okoye, barring him from leaving the country until the case is concluded. He remains in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

Trial Date Set Amidst Industry Reactions

The trial is set to commence on April 14, 2025, as the EFCC intensifies its crackdown on financial crimes in the Nigerian entertainment industry. The case has sent shockwaves across the music and entertainment sectors, raising concerns about financial transparency and trust in music management deals.

Industry stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to the case, with some calling for stringent measures to prevent financial mismanagement in the entertainment industry. Others argue that the ongoing legal battle could significantly impact the reputation and future dealings of Nigerian artists with international music distribution firms.

As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the Nigerian judicial system to ensure justice is served in what could be one of the most high-profile financial crime cases involving a key figure in Nigeria’s music industry.

Domestic Accident…How Bose Olubo-Adegeye Escaped High Degree of Burnt

Challenges in Life test our resolve and shake us to know our stand in Life
Our stand with God, Our stand with people around us, Ka diju, ka se bii eni ku

Many give up on life and their dreams after facing adversities and continual challenges in their lives and endeavours.
My Testimony as Bose Olubo-Adegeye is that I have found mercy and grace in God’s hands that turned the hand of the clock and delivered me three months ago from a near death situation.

I am able to write this post because God has restored me and is perfecting all that concerns me. I am one whose God has given a chance to speak about His Love.
This day last year, 3rd of March, I had a 23% degree burn, a domestic accident two weeks after returning from the USA and days after celebrating my birthday.
The fire accident emanated from the negligence of a gas cooker vendor who forgot to return the back pipe after checking.

The fire burnt my two legs and made me spent a month in two Hospitals. But the good side of the story is that God helped me to braze the odds and overcome this adversity that should have affected my life, family and career.

Special thanks to friends and family.
I wish to appreciate the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, The Efon League, and all the people of Efon Alaaye.

Thanks to you Darling for being there as I healed. Thanks to my dear God mother, Hon Yetunde Arobieke. Thanks to Commander and the entire members of Lagos Special Traffic Mayor.

Thanks to the president and the entire members of ECAPI, the undercover intelligent.

Thanks to Dr Oshonowo. Thanks to Amazon Foundation. Thanks to the entire Adegeye family.

Thanks to the OLUBO family.
Thanks to Hon. Biobaku, Ojodu LCDA
Thanks to Chief Chuks Ororo
I will never forget Ore mi, my friend who became a sister, Mrs Oluwaremilekun Adeyemi. Thanks to everyone who showed me love at the time Amazon cried.
Here come my request
Since I cannot gather 10,000 people or more, kindly join me and thank God in your different homes and places of worship, just do it “Nitori Bose”

Back and better, join me live today on Facebook @Bose Olubo Adegeye at 6pm to learn, laugh and praise God for keeping me alive.
GOD’s mercy Found Me. Help me thank God!
Mo dupe Olorun, O o boju mi je!
Bose Olubo-Adegeye writes as she appreciates God

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