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Buratai Urges Whole-of-Society Approach to End Insurgency

Published

3 weeks ago

March 20, 2026

THE BURATAI CONUNDRUM: A STRATEGIC DISSERVICE TO NATIONAL INTEREST By Femi Oyewale

Buratai Urges Whole-of-Society Approach to End Insurgency

Abuja, Nigeria – Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has called for a comprehensive national strategy to tackle insurgency, stressing that military action alone cannot end the protracted conflict.

Buratai made the call during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, while reacting to the Federal Government’s renewed efforts to combat insecurity.

His comments come after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed service chiefs to relocate to Borno State, the epicentre of insurgency, in a bid to strengthen on-ground operations.

The former army chief said although the insurgency has persisted for decades, the Nigerian military has not lost the war. According to him, troops have recorded significant gains over the years, particularly in degrading the capacity of Boko Haram insurgents.

He explained that the declaration of Boko Haram as “technically defeated” reflected the reduction in bombings and the recovery of territories previously controlled by the group between 2016 and 2018.

Buratai, however, noted that insurgents have since adapted, exploiting gaps in operations and the overstretch of security forces deployed across the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions.

He identified key challenges facing the military to include inadequate manpower, limited equipment, difficult terrain, and troop fatigue. He added that the vast landmass of the North-East makes it difficult for troops to effectively dominate the area.

To address the situation, Buratai called for increased troop deployment, establishment of more military bases, and improved use of technology such as drones and surveillance systems.

He also stressed the importance of intelligence gathering, urging security agencies to identify and dismantle networks of informants and collaborators aiding insurgents within communities.

According to him, insurgency is a “people’s war” that requires the collective efforts of government, security agencies, and citizens.

Buratai further emphasized the need for the implementation of a “whole-of-society” approach as outlined in Nigeria’s National Security Strategy, which includes infrastructure development, job creation, and improved social services in affected areas.

On the issue of terrorism financing, he said the responsibility for identifying and prosecuting suspects lies with relevant agencies, adding that the focus should be on taking decisive legal action rather than merely naming individuals.

He also addressed the controversy surrounding the rehabilitation of repentant insurgents, noting that the programme was a government policy. While acknowledging its merits, he said individuals involved in serious crimes should be subjected to due legal process.

Buratai maintained that good governance at all levels remains critical to addressing the root causes of insecurity, particularly poverty and unemployment.

He expressed confidence in the current military leadership, stating that the service chiefs have the capacity to manage the situation and restore stability.

celebrity radar - gossips

BURATAI URGES ECOWAS UNITY, CALLS FOR RETURN OF SAHEL STATES AT VON FORUM

Published

4 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai Urges ACF to Lead Bold Northern Agenda, Boost Food Security at 25th Anniversary

BURATAI URGES ECOWAS UNITY, CALLS FOR RETURN OF SAHEL STATES AT VON FORUM

ABUJA – In a powerful appeal for regional stability, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai (rtd), has called on ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) to prioritize the return of the Association of Sahel States (AES) to ensure the survival of West African integration.

Speaking Thursday at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum 2026 in Abuja, Buratai warned that the region’s progress could become a “mirage” without the inclusion of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic.

A Legacy of Sacrifice

Buratai Tasks Estate Valuers on Ethics, Tech Responsibility to Boost National Security

Buratai highlighted Nigeria’s historic role as the “unshakable anchor” of the sub-region. He pointed to Nigeria’s decades of leadership in ECOMOG missions across Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau as evidence of the nation’s commitment.

”Nigeria has sacrificed and invested in blood, treasure, and diplomacy to defend democracy,” Buratai stated. “Our stability is inseparable from the security of our neighbours.”

The Path to Unity

The General urged ECOWAS to deepen its engagement with the African Union to bridge the current diplomatic rift with the AES nations. He emphasized that the collective security of West Africa depends on a unified front, noting that democracy and regional safety are “two sides of the same coin.”

”The unity of ECOWAS cannot be complete without Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic. Without unity, progress in the region may be a mirage,” Buratai cautioned.

Celebrating 51 Years of VON

The forum also served as a celebration of Voice of Nigeria’s 51st anniversary. Buratai lauded the broadcaster as a “Nigerian voice with an African heart,” praising its professionalism and pan-African vision.

He paid tribute to veteran journalists, including the late Mohammed Okorejor and retired director Ben Shamang, while commending the current Director General for revitalizing the agency.

The retired General concluded his message with a call to strengthen regional institutions, urging leaders to honor the legacy of ECOWAS through renewed cooperation and institutional integrity.

celebrity radar - gossips

GOV. LAWAL WINS BON GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR FOR ZAMFARA’S INFRASTRUCTURE

Published

20 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Sahara Weekly

GOV. LAWAL WINS BON GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR FOR ZAMFARA’S INFRASTRUCTURE

The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has awarded Governor Dauda Lawal the Infrastructure Governor of the Year honour for his administration’s giant strides in the Urban Renewal project across Zamfara.

The governor received the award at the second edition of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) held at the NAF conference centre, Abuja.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the BON acknowledged Zamfara state’s unprecedented and transformative achievements in infrastructure, recognising excellence beyond the broadcasting industry.

He added that Governors Bassey Otu of Cross River and Uba Sani of Kaduna, the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, along with John Momoh, Shyngle Wigwe, Abubakar Jijiwa, and Sa’a Ibrahim, were among the prominent Nigerians honoured at the 2026 Nigeria Broadcasting Awards.

The statement read in parts, “The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, an umbrella body for public and private broadcasters in Nigeria, was established in 1973 to promote the interests of the broadcasting industry and ensure high standards in media practices.

“The organisation conducted a thorough months-long selection process aimed at recognising professional excellence and raising standards for media practice across Nigeria.

“The Awards Selection Committee was chaired by Dr Danladi Bako, former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The awards panel included veterans and representatives from the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the NBC..

“The selection committee cited numerous reasons for awarding Governor Dauda Lawal, notably his significant progress across sectors, particularly for transforming Gusau into a modern State Capital.

“Zamfara has witnessed unprecedented achievements under Governor Dauda Lawal, including the historic construction of a modern International Airport in the State.

“Apart from urban renewal projects, as well as the construction and outfitting of General Hospitals, Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has built, refurbished, and equipped over 800 schools across the 14 local government areas of the State.

“This recognition by the highest broadcasting authority in Nigeria will motivate the governor to dedicate more effort to his mission to serve and rebuild Zamfara state.”

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Beauty Meets Glamour as Olaide Ogunyemi Opens New Studio in Mushin

Published

4 days ago

April 5, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Beauty Meets Glamour as Olaide Ogunyemi Opens New Studio in Mushin

Popular Nollywood actress and professional makeup artiste, Olaide Ogunyemi Oluwayemisi aka Damilola, has expanded her footprint in the beauty industry with the grand opening of her new makeup studio in Lagos.

The talented thespian, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of @Dobc_makeovers_andmore, officially unveiled the ultra-modern beauty space last Thursday, April 2, 2026, in a colourful ceremony filled with glamour, fashion, and pageantry.

Strategically located at 101 Palm Avenue, right beside FitPlus and Sparklight Hospital in Mushin area of Lagos, the new studio is designed to offer top-notch beauty services, reflecting Ogunyemi’s commitment to excellence and professionalism in the ever-growing makeup industry.

The opening ceremony attracted friends, colleagues from the Nollywood industry, beauty enthusiasts, and well-wishers who came out in large numbers to celebrate the entrepreneur’s latest milestone. Guests were treated to a vibrant atmosphere that showcased creativity, style, and the evolving standards of the beauty business in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Ogunyemi expressed her excitement and gratitude, noting that the new studio represents years of hard work, dedication, and passion for her craft. She reaffirmed her commitment to delivering premium beauty services while empowering aspiring makeup artistes.

The launch of the studio further cements her reputation as a dynamic force, successfully blending her career in Nollywood with a thriving beauty brand.

With this latest development, Olaide Damilola Ogunyemi continues to inspire many young entrepreneurs, proving that talent, consistency, and vision remain key drivers of success in Nigeria’s creative and business landscape.