NIGERIA: Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has warned that Nigeria is paying the price for failing to act decisively against insurgency and banditry, saying the country’s security situation could worsen if urgent measures are not taken.
Buratai stated this while reacting to the abduction and killing of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar by bandits in Katsina State.
According to him, the incident represents a dangerous escalation of insecurity and underscores the need for a radical review of current security strategies.
“Today, Nigeria is witnessing the grim unfolding of warnings that went unheeded,” he said.
The former army chief recalled that he had warned in 2021 that insurgency and banditry could persist for up to two decades if decisive action was not taken.
He described the capture and killing of a senior military officer by non-state actors as a serious indication that criminal groups were becoming increasingly bold and organised.
Buratai warned that if the trend continued unchecked, high-profile public office holders, including ministers, lawmakers and governors, could become targets of attacks.
He urged the Federal Government to acknowledge the limitations of existing approaches and launch a coordinated military and intelligence offensive against terrorists and bandits.
Buratai also called for the establishment of a National Emergency Command to coordinate operations of security agencies in high-risk areas and eliminate bureaucratic delays.
He further urged authorities to identify and prosecute financiers, informants and other collaborators sustaining criminal networks across the country.
The retired general called on state governors to take greater ownership of security through strengthened community intelligence systems and properly regulated local security initiatives.
He stressed the need to dismantle the criminal ecosystem enabling attacks, while enhancing security measures for public officials and vulnerable communities.
Buratai said the warning was borne out of patriotism and concern for Nigeria’s stability, urging leaders at all levels to act decisively before the security situation deteriorates further.
