The Nigerian military recently obtained a significant sum of N33,216,000,000.00 for the acquisition of essential operational equipment. These funds were released by the Ministry of Defence in July 2024, with payment records indicating various transactions through the Naira Transit Account. The payments were specifically designated for purchasing critical and urgent operational equipment for the military, but the exact details of the equipment and its purpose have not been disclosed.
A breakdown of the disbursement revealed multiple transfers to the Naira Transit Account, including N9bn on July 26, 2024, followed by additional payments totaling N24.216bn for procurement purposes. The Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were also involved in procuring firearms and ammunition, making payments to several defense contractors.
The Nigeria Immigration Service acquired arms such as Scorpion Evo 19 & 9 rifles, Tavor rifles, and General-Purpose Machine Guns (7.62x51mm) for its Women Armed Squad and Rapid Response Squad. Payments were made to Keygate Ltd and Belrock Ltd for the procurement of these firearms.
Similarly, the NIS disbursed funds to BNTI Arm Limited for GPMG (7.62x51mm) ammunition and Keygate Ltd for a larger arms and ammunition procurement project. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Commission also engaged in high-value procurement, paying for AK-47 close-contact military bayonets for Zone ‘F’ to enhance the operational capabilities of paramilitary forces in addressing security challenges.