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.