Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s erstwhile Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), has identified effective intelligence sharing, stronger civilian-military cooperation and coordinated security operations as critical to ending insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria.
Buratai made the remarks on Friday during the launch of a book titled Beyond Military Force: A Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria – A Handbook, authored by Professor Joan Ugo Mbagwu of the Department of Peace, Criminology and Security Studies, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event, held at Moremi Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, attracted security stakeholders, academics and other dignitaries.
The former army chief stressed that defeating Boko Haram and other armed groups required more than military operations, noting that security agencies must work closely with civilian institutions and communities to improve intelligence gathering and information sharing.
He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their efforts in tackling insurgency over the years but cautioned against placing excessive responsibility for maintaining internal security on the military.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force must strengthen its capacity and take greater responsibility for maintaining law and order across the country.
Buratai, who relocated the military’s operational headquarters from Abuja to Maiduguri, Borno State, during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff under former President Muhammadu Buhari, said significant challenges remained despite the military’s achievements.
“The military has done well to check the menace of the insurgents so far,” he said.
However, he noted that insecurity persisted in parts of the North-East and North-West, particularly in remote communities where bandits continued to unleash violence.
“In the North-East, we still have serious issues. In the North-West, the military is trying, but in remote areas, the bandits are still causing a lot of havoc,” he added.
The retired general also expressed concern over alleged local support networks sustaining terrorist activities, including the provision of food, money, intelligence and other forms of assistance to criminal groups.
He maintained that such collaboration between individuals and insurgents undermined national security efforts and prolonged the conflict.
On the question of deradicalisation and engagement with insurgents, Buratai recalled the devastating consequences of terrorism, including killings, maiming and destruction of communities.
He stressed the need for a firm national security response, warning against approaches that could undermine the country’s fight against terrorism.
Buratai commended Professor Mbagwu for undertaking the research and examining the underlying factors responsible for insecurity in Nigeria.
He described the publication as an important academic contribution and recommended it to scholars, research centres, tertiary institutions and military establishments.
Speaking on the motivation behind the book, Mbagwu explained that her research examined the root causes of insurgency, including radicalisation, poverty, poor socio-economic conditions, grievances and the limitations of relying exclusively on government security structures.
She said the publication also explored strategies for addressing terrorism through deradicalisation, improved living conditions and stronger community participation involving civil society organisations.
The author illustrated how poverty and economic hardship could make vulnerable individuals susceptible to recruitment by insurgent groups, particularly when criminal networks offered them financial assistance.
She consequently urged the Federal Government to address poverty, inequality and perceived injustices affecting citizens, arguing that improving socio-economic conditions would strengthen the country’s prospects for lasting peace.
According to her, tackling the underlying grievances that make individuals vulnerable to extremist recruitment is essential to preventing the spread of terrorism.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Pastor Olubunmi Ajala, prayed for peace and stability in Nigeria, urging citizens to contribute towards building a safer and more prosperous country.
Ajala commended the author for using academic research to address one of the country’s major security challenges, stressing that Nigerians must work collectively to secure their common future.
Also speaking, Chief Uchegbunaam Carnice Onwudiwe, coordinator of the book launch, who travelled from Spain to attend the event, reaffirmed his commitment to peace and national development.
He said living in the diaspora had not diminished his concern for Nigeria, emphasising that the country’s stability remained important to him.
The project’s strategist, Mr Ajayi Adeboye, also praised Mbagwu’s commitment to addressing issues affecting peace and security in the country.
He recalled that the initiative began following an encounter with the author during a visit to the coordinator’s residence, expressing satisfaction that the project had developed into a major intellectual undertaking.
A major highlight of the occasion was the formal unveiling of the book, during which Buratai led the fundraising by purchasing five copies for N1 million.
Other guests subsequently made financial commitments and purchased copies in support of the publication.
Buratai was also presented with an award in recognition of his contributions to peacekeeping and national security in Nigeria.
