Former Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.) has asked the Federal Government to explore a nationwide mobilisation comparable to the COVID-19 lockdown to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
Buratai, speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Friday, stated that insecurity should not be left to the military alone but rather tackled as a national catastrophe needing community sacrifice.
He said, “When there are national crises, we need to mobilise everybody, not just the military alone. Look at COVID-19—how much was spent, and how much was invested into information, communication, advertisement, palliatives, and preventive measures?
“The whole nation was locked down because of COVID-19. We can do the same thing. We can lock down this country to make sure that everybody concentrates and deals with this cankerworm of so-called terrorists and bandits.”
Buratai mentioned that before leaving office as Chief of Army Staff, he had warned that the insurgency could last longer than expected if a long-term strategy was not adopted.
He said, “Just before I left office, and immediately after I was appointed ambassador to the Republic of Benin, I sent a note of warning that this insurgency may last longer. It is not something that you just wish away. We really need to have a long-term plan.”
Buratai also cited collective efforts during the Maiduguri flood catastrophe, when Nigerians banded together to support Borno State, arguing that a similar strategy may help in the battle against insecurity.
His statements came as the National Human Rights Commission, in its most recent report, expressed alarm about rising abuses of the right to life and liberties. The commission expressed concern that, despite government efforts, over 50 individuals were slain in different incidents this week alone.
Buratai argued that, in addition to military campaigns, residents must be psychologically mobilised “via social media, press, and community support” to defeat what he referred to as “so-called terrorists and bandits”.
