Former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai called for a “comprehensive approach” to counter terrorism at a book launch in Lagos on Friday, insisting that military force alone cannot secure lasting peace without good governance, economic empowerment, community participation and regional cooperation.
Buratai, who led the army from 2015 to 2021, said the new book, Beyond Military Force: A Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria, by Professor Joan Ugo Mbagwu of Chrisland University, provides a “significant intellectual contribution” to Nigeria’s counter‑terrorism efforts. He stressed that while “military operations are indispensable,” they must be complemented by measures that address the socio‑economic conditions that fuel extremist recruitment.
“Military force, however professional, is a shield, not a substitute for governance,” Buratai told reporters in Kaduna. “It can create the conditions for peace, but it cannot by itself build peace. It can degrade a terrorist group; it cannot alone remove the grievances of poverty, ignorance and manipulation from which such groups recruit.” He highlighted the need for credible intelligence, community trust and respect for human rights, warning that “no amount of firepower can compensate for poor intelligence.”
Buratai also urged the police to take on counter‑terrorism duties traditionally handled by the military, arguing that “the military is not the police; it is not the social welfare agency; it is not the school system.” He called for transparent, community‑based deradicalisation and reintegration programmes that do not compromise justice for victims.
Drawing on his experience commanding the Multinational Joint Task Force in Chad, Buratai stressed the importance of stronger regional collaboration through the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and Lake Chad Basin countries, noting that groups such as Boko Haram operate across borders. He endorsed the book’s recommendation for a “state of emergency on poverty” in Northern Nigeria, urging governments to prioritise out‑of‑school children, reform the Almajiri system, tackle youth unemployment and expand vocational training and social protection.
Field surveys cited in the book covered Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory. Buratai revealed that 86 % of respondents believed negotiation could help address terrorism, 92 % agreed that community members could make significant contributions to intelligence gathering, and 84 % linked terrorist recruitment to poor economic conditions and the Almajiri situation.
The book was formally unveiled by retired Major General R.O. Yusuf, with Chairman Olubunmi Ajala commending Buratai for his commitment to security issues. An award of appreciation was presented to the former army chief for his contributions to counter‑terrorism during his military career. The publication is expected to spark new national conversations on a sustainable security framework that integrates military operations, effective governance, economic development, community engagement and lasting peacebuilding.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
