…Says military alone can’t end insecurity
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), has stated that the Nigerian government is aware of individuals financing terrorism, but declined responsibility for the non-disclosure of their identities.
Speaking during an appearance on television, Buratai said security agencies possess intelligence on those behind terror funding, stressing that the decision not to make their names public rests with the appropriate authorities. “You cannot say I should be responsible for naming the financiers of terror. It’s not just about mentioning names; those agencies know why the names are not released. Action should be taken; these individuals are still within society today, and they are known”, he disclosed.
While taking responsibility for matters strictly within the purview of the Nigerian Army, Buratai decried the country’s persistent security challenges and called for improved intelligence-gathering, alongside increased recruitment of security personnel.
The former army chief also cautioned against over-reliance on the military in addressing Nigeria’s insecurity, arguing that a broader, multi-sectoral approach is essential. According to him, the fight against insurgency cannot be won by military operations alone, but must be supported by effective governance, economic development, and social interventions. “The whole country is over-relying on the military”, he said, noting that various government institutions and stakeholders have critical roles to play.
Buratai referenced Nigeria’s National Security Strategy 2019, which outlines comprehensive measures, including economic, social and infrastructure-based solutions, but questioned the consistency of its implementation. He emphasised that tackling the root causes of insecurity – such as poverty, unemployment, and poor infrastructure – is key to achieving lasting peace.
Highlighting operational challenges, Buratai pointed to the poor state of roads in conflict zones, explaining that what should be short military operations often become prolonged, exposing troops to ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). “In some instances, an operation that should take two hours could take up to five hours due to bad roads”, he noted.
Buratai further urged state governments to intensify efforts in youth development through job creation, skills-acquisition, and economic empowerment, stressing that engaging young people is critical to preventing their involvement in violent activities.
Overall, he maintained that defeating insurgency in Nigeria requires a coordinated national effort that goes beyond the battlefield.
