Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), has advised the Federal Government to consider shutting Nigeria’s borders as part of efforts to tackle terrorism and banditry, similar to the lockdown approach adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Buratai warned that allowing insurgency to persist posed grave dangers to the country. He stressed the need for long-term planning and investment in counter-insurgency measures.
“The military should be seen as a solution to insecurity, not as a hindrance,” he said, adding that community resilience through collaboration among political, traditional, and religious leaders was vital to achieving lasting peace.
Buratai revealed that he had earlier predicted the protracted nature of insurgency in Nigeria, hence his call for sustained strategies.
On the ongoing debate over the creation of state police, the former army chief admitted the idea was necessary but cautioned against potential abuse by politicians. He maintained that state policing could only succeed if safeguards were put in place to prevent political interference.
Buratai, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, reiterated that decisive action, including border control, would help Nigeria curb the rising wave of terrorism and other violent crimes.
