Retired Soldier Alleges Buhari Administration Sabotaged Fight Against Boko Haram

A retired Nigerian soldier has made serious allegations, claiming that the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) hindered efforts to combat Boko Haram during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan. According to the soldier, this interference allowed the terrorist group to regain strength against Nigeria’s armed forces.

Speaking anonymously, the soldier asserted that Jonathan’s administration had made notable progress against Boko Haram with assistance from foreign military contractors from Ukraine, Russia, and retired U.S. soldiers. However, he alleged that upon assuming office, Buhari discontinued this support, which enabled Boko Haram to reorganize and rearm.

The soldier further claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was involved in funding Boko Haram and that the U.S. and U.K. governments, in coordination with the APC, worked to undermine Jonathan’s administration.

Detailing arms acquisitions, the source stated that Jonathan’s government procured T-75 tanks from Ukraine and Russia, which were transported to South Africa for training Nigerian soldiers. However, the APC allegedly alerted the U.S. and South African governments about the transactions, leading to the seizure of the aircraft transporting funds for the deal.

The allegations also include claims that Buhari’s administration obstructed military efforts against Boko Haram and that the government was aware of the terrorist group's activities but failed to take necessary actions.

According to the soldier, financial support meant for Africa was misappropriated to fund Boko Haram. He recounted that when Jonathan’s government sought assistance from the U.S. and Britain, they were denied and had to turn to Ukraine and Russia for military resources. He described how retired military personnel were brought in to train Nigerian soldiers and emphasized that payments had to be made in dollars outside Nigeria.

The former soldier’s claims coincide with increasing scrutiny of USAID, with allegations of financial mismanagement in foreign aid programs. U.S. Congressman Scott Perry recently alleged that USAID funds had supported terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram. During a hearing on government efficiency on February 14, 2025, Perry stated that significant financial aid was being funneled into terrorist training camps.

Additionally, the former soldier alleged that Jonathan’s administration secured funds in cash and transported them to South Africa using an aircraft linked to Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. However, the APC allegedly alerted foreign governments, leading to the seizure of the plane and assets. The incident, which involved $9.3 million intended for arms purchases, sparked diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.

The soldier also accused Buhari’s administration of dismissing foreign military contractors who were instrumental in training Nigerian forces. He claimed that before the 2015 elections, Nigerian troops had gained the upper hand against Boko Haram but were later disadvantaged when the administration expelled the foreign trainers. He alleged that sophisticated weaponry, including anti-tank mines, was supplied to Boko Haram, enabling them to counter the Nigerian military’s advances.

Further allegations suggest government sabotage of military operations, with high-ranking officers who reported critical security issues being sidelined or reassigned. The soldier also linked the government to kidnappings in Kaduna, stating that prisoner swaps indicated official complicity in undermining national security.

These claims raise concerns about the role of the Buhari administration in Nigeria’s security challenges and underscore the need for further investigation.