Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has called for a nationwide mobilization strategy to combat insecurity in Nigeria, similar to the approach taken during the COVID-19 lockdown. According to Buratai, insecurity should be treated as a national crisis requiring collective sacrifice and a long-term plan.
The call comes amid growing concerns over deteriorating security conditions in the country. In the first six weeks of 2025, Nigeria lost 805 lives to violence and insecurity across the country. Some of the incidents include¹:
– 70 terrorists killed in Borno
– 22 soldiers killed in a Jihadist suicide attack in Maiduguri, Borno State
– 21 persons killed in Katsina State during an attack on a joint team of Katsina State Community Watch Corps and vigilante members
– 40 farmers killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Dumba community, Baga, Kukawa LGA of Borno State
Buratai emphasized that defeating insurgents requires more than military operations, urging citizens to be mobilized psychologically through social media, the press, and community-driven initiatives. He stressed the need for a long-term plan and collective effort to tackle the security challenges facing the nation.
Key Challenges:
– Insecurity: Nigeria faces numerous security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and cybercrime, which pose a significant threat to national stability and development.
– Economic Impact: Insecurity has severe and far-reaching consequences for the economy of affected areas, directly impacting economic activities and development in the region.
– Displacement and Trauma: Many Nigerians have been forced out of their homes and communities due to violence and attacks, with over 2 million people displaced. Constant news of killings and attacks induces fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in citizens.² ³
Possible Solutions:
– Nationwide Mobilization: Buratai suggested that the government adopt a lockdown strategy to identify and neutralize terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers terrorizing communities nationwide.
– Community Involvement: He highlighted the importance of community involvement, citing the example of nationwide support during the Maiduguri flood disaster.
– Long-term Plan: Buratai emphasized the need for a long-term plan to tackle the security challenges facing the nation.
– Improved Security Surveillance: Improving security surveillance nationwide and ensuring swift prosecution of perpetrators can help prevent attacks.
– Promoting Dialogue: Promoting dialogue between farmers and herdsmen can help reduce conflicts and improve security in vulnerable communities.
