Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retired), has called on the Federal Government to implement a nationwide mobilisation effort similar to the COVID-19 lockdown to address the persistent threats of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
Speaking during a television interview, the former military leader emphasised that the current security challenges should not be viewed solely as a military concern but rather as a national crisis requiring collective action and sacrifice from all citizens.
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Buratai drew direct parallels to the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the substantial resources allocated to public information campaigns, palliative measures, and preventive strategies during that period. He suggested that a similar level of national focus and resource allocation is needed to effectively combat insecurity.
“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 stated.
The former army chief revealed that he had previously warned about the prolonged nature of the insurgency before concluding his tenure as military leader. He stressed the necessity of developing and implementing a comprehensive long-term strategy to address the root causes of insecurity.
Beyond military operations, Buratai advocated for psychological mobilisation through social media, traditional press, and community support systems. He referenced previous national solidarity efforts, such as the response to the Maiduguri flood crisis, as examples of how collective action can effectively address major challenges. His comments come amid growing concerns from human rights organisations about worsening security conditions and increasing violations of fundamental rights across the country.
cc: Punch NG
