Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has called on the Federal Government to adopt a nationwide mobilisation similar to the COVID-19 lockdown as a strategy to defeat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Buratai stressed that insecurity should not be left to the military alone but approached as a national crisis requiring the collective sacrifice of citizens.
“When there are national crises, we need to mobilise everybody, not just the military alone. Look at COVID-19, how much was spent, 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,” he said.
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The former Army chief explained that before leaving office, he had warned that insurgency might last longer than expected if not tackled with a comprehensive, long-term strategy.
“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 stated.
He further recalled how Nigerians united during the Maiduguri flood crisis to support Borno State, urging that a similar collective mobilisation could strengthen the fight against insecurity.
Buratai maintained that beyond military campaigns, citizens must be mobilised “psychologically, through social media, press, and community support” to overcome what he described as the “so-called terrorists and bandits.”
His remarks came as the National Human Rights Commission, in its latest report, raised concerns over worsening violations of the right to life and freedoms, revealing that over 50 people were reported killed in separate attacks this week despite government efforts.
