President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday maintained that the embezzlement of funds meant for equipping the armed forces under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan strengthened the Boko Haram and extended its activities in the Northeast.
Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, made the remark at the lunch of the Reviewed National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST) in Abuja.
The embezzlement, he said, led to the death of thousands of Nigerians and destruction of properties.
The President described the action of those who embezzled the funds as wicked and disgraceful.
He said: “Sadly because of the disgraceful deed and the wickedness of some in governance and some in high office in the armed forces at the time, funds meant to equip soldiers to continue the fight against terror was embezzled. The incredible selfishness caused the nation of thousands of lives, extended the reign of terror and strengthened the enemy.
“In the past few years our nation faced the threat of terrorism characterized by mindless killing of our people including children. The massacre of the Buni Yadi boys in their hostels at night, the bombing of churches, mosques and market places, the kidnap of the Chibok girls and many others.
“The sheer recklessness of the killings, the shootings and the executions were meant to terrorize and produce maximum fear. To further establish their reign of terror, the insurgents hoisted their terror flags in almost 27 local government areas in the northeast.”
President Buhari said his administration since inception has emboldened the morale of the armed forces and ensure absolute defeat of the terrorists.
He, however, noted that the visages of the activities and the warped ideologies of the sect still linger.