Buratai Calls for Stronger ECOWAS Cooperation to Tackle Insecurity, Boost Economy

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), has called for deeper regional cooperation among West African states to address rising insecurity and unlock economic growth, warning that no country in the subregion can succeed in isolation.

Buratai made the call on Friday while chairing the 24th annual symposium marking the 43rd memorial anniversary of Aminu Kano, held at Mambayya House in Kano.

Speaking on the theme, “ECOWAS and Regional Peace in West Africa: The Security and Economic Implications for Nigeria,” the former army chief stressed that transnational threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, and piracy require coordinated regional responses.

“West Africa is at a crossroads,” he said, noting the resurgence of military coups and growing instability across parts of the region. “The fight against terrorism and organised crime cannot be won by any single country. It demands joint operations, intelligence-sharing, and mutual trust.”

Buratai, who also served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, argued that Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) must be rooted in collaboration rather than dominance.

On the economic front, he lamented the low level of intra-regional trade and persistent non-tariff barriers, which he said continue to hinder growth and integration.

“The dream of a single West African currency and seamless trade remains unrealised, and the burden falls on ordinary citizens—traders, farmers, and small-scale entrepreneurs,” he said.

Buratai emphasised that Nigeria’s economic prosperity is tied to that of its neighbours, urging investments in regional infrastructure and policies that promote cross-border commerce

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Paying tribute to Aminu Kano, he described the late nationalist as a symbol of social justice and democratic ideals whose philosophy remains relevant in addressing contemporary challenges.

“He was not just a politician, but a movement, one who believed in uplifting the poor and defending the rights of the common man,” Buratai said.

He urged political leaders to uphold democratic principles across the region, warning that unconstitutional changes in government undermine the welfare of citizens.

The retired general also called on academic institutions, civil society groups, and security agencies to play active roles in strengthening regional integration and accountability.

“To honour Aminu Kano is to govern with humility, honesty, and a commitment to the welfare of the people,” he added.

The symposium brought together academics, policymakers, security experts, and students to discuss pathways to peace and development in West Africa.

Buratai concluded by urging young people to embrace regional unity, describing West African integration as “more urgent than ever.”

*How Tinubu’s Government Is Suffering For Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Early Prophecies On Insecurity

After swearing-in on May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received goodwill messages from renowned men of God, with many prophesying that his administration would be better, especially in terms of security.

Many of these messages were based on the earlier promise of the All Progressive Congress that the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, would tackle insecurity adequately for the country.

However, in the midst of these praises and goodwill messages, renowned prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, who is known for always revealing the future of any new administration, spoke in a prophetic message that went viral, that insecurity will be used as a great tool against Tinubu’s administration.

The prophet had been talking about another APC government since 2022, noting that Nigerians will face several economic hardships, and he was detested by the ruling party and its supporters because of this. They saw him as an opposition party when they were supposed to listen to his prophetic warnings. However, it happened; the major indices of the economy are energy and currency. The exchange rate and price of petrol have never been so much like it has been for the past three years now.

The prophet warned repeatedly that insecurity and the economy would be the major issues President Tinubu would face in his administration, but did they listen? Absolutely not, because if they did, some of the issues being faced in the country would have disappeared.

Beyond his statement before the election, Primate Ayodele continued to warn the government against insecurity, even as far as warning against an impending coup. The prophet had revealed that some powerful Nigerians are angry with the president and have planned to remove him unconstitutionally. Of course, they never believed this till it happened. If not for the prophetic security alert issued by the prophet, the president may have been removed when the coup came to light.

These were his warnings regarding the coup:

“There will be an attempt to unseat Tinubu unconstitutionally; the NSA, DSS, and Chief of Army Staff must be careful about this. There are some gangs planning between November to January to unseat him.”

https://tribuneonlineng.com/some-powerful-nigerians-plotting-to-remove-tinubu-through-coup-primate-ayodele/

Thankfully, they were arrested, and some of them have been detained.

More recently, there were attacks on some states on Easter Sunday, leading to the death of some Christians. This happened as a result of obstinacy on the part of security operatives because just days before it, Primate Ayodele specifically warned that some states would be attacked from Easter Sunday, and it did happen, with security operatives having nothing to do to stop the incident.

These were Primate Ayodele’s warnings.

“Our security operatives must watch Easter Sunday well because plans have been concluded to carry out attacks in seven states starting from that day.

“The states to watch out for include Kogi, Kwara, Ondo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, and Kaduna.

“The security operatives must be extra vigilant in these states starting from Easter Sunday.”

https://theeagleonline.com.ng/easter-sunday-primate-ayodele-warns-seven-states-of-terrorist-attacks/

Yesterday, there was an internal memo released by the Nigerian Customs Service that Boko Haram are planning to attack some prisons and airports in the country.

This corroborated the prophetic warning of Primate Ayodele, which he shared some weeks ago, regarding some prisons, specifically mentioning Kuje prison.

These were his words:

“Break jail is imminent, Kuje prison or they send a bomb into Kuje prison, it’s a midnight work…..”

Meanwhile, Primate Ayodele had warned that there are people sponsoring insecurity in President Tinubu’s government. He also urged him to name some of them in order to curb it, but this has yet to be done.

President Tinubu’s government would have been one of the best, but insecurity has tarnished it greatly, and the country is gradually returning to the days of daily killings; even Nigerian high-ranking soldiers are not spared. This insecurity has given the administration a bad record internationally, with the US naming Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

If the president had listened, Nigerians, and even the government, wouldn’t have suffered this much. However, it’s not too late for them to turn a new leaf.

Nigerian Navy Deepens Ties With Ogun Community

In a deliberate effort to strengthen civil–military relations, the Nigerian Navy School of Music on Wednesday hosted youths from the Lemode Community Development Committee at its premises, in an engagement designed to foster trust and cooperation between the military and the civilian population.

The initiative, aligned with the civil–military cooperation drive under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, reflects a growing recognition within the armed forces that national security is reinforced not only through operations but also through meaningful connections with civilians, particularly the youth.

The visiting youths from Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State were received with warmth and professionalism, as naval personnel ensured seamless coordination, adherence to security protocols, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Central to the engagement was a security orientation session aimed at deepening mutual understanding and encouraging intelligence sharing. This was complemented by cultural and social interactions that helped demystify military life, presenting naval personnel as partners in community development. The exercise underscored the Navy’s commitment to openness and sustained engagement with host communities.

Addressing participants, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Adelaja Sanni, described the visit as a strategic platform for strengthening ties between the Navy and the civilian population. He emphasised that such initiatives help to build trust, promote unity, and foster a shared sense of responsibility for national development.

“The safety of our collective space relies on the information we share. Security awareness means making the youth our primary partners in intelligence. You understand your environment better than anyone, and we rely on your vigilance to keep our communities safe,” he said.

He commended the discipline and conduct of the participants, noting that while activities of the day may pass, the lessons on cooperation and security consciousness would endure.

Sanni also acknowledged the role of Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, describing him as the key link that made the engagement possible. According to him, Folorunsho’s consistent drive for open communication, and strategic public engagement has been central to bridging the gap.

A highlight of the visit was a novelty football match between personnel of the Nigerian Navy School of Music and the visiting official football team, popularly known as Met Boys. The encounter was lively and competitive, ending 2–1 in favour of the community side. OSBD Hunsa MM scored for the Navy, while Abubakar Onifade netted a brace to secure victory for the visitors in a game defined by skill, energy, and sportsmanship. Officials, however, stressed that the significance of the event extended far beyond the scoreline.

Speaking on behalf of the visiting community, Lateef Owodunni expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that the initiative had significantly bridged the gap between the military and the youth.

“The security orientation was enlightening. We now understand that intelligence sharing is not about targeting our own people, but about protecting our communities from criminal elements. We are taking this message of vigilance and cooperation back home,” he said.

Owodunni commended the Nigerian Navy, led by Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, particularly Captain Folorunsho, for promoting a people-centred approach to security communication. He described him as instrumental in fostering inclusive engagement within the Nigerian Navy.

He also applauded the leadership of the institution under Lieutenant Commander Sanni, noting that the Commanding Officer demonstrated that lasting peace and mutual understanding are achievable through consultation, dialogue, and engagement rather than confrontation or exclusion.

The engagement was received by other top officers of the Nigerian Navy School of Music, including the Chief Instructor, Lieutenant Onaolapo Onabolu, senior departmental heads, and other key personnel of the establishment.