Sunday August 24, 2025
By The NewsDESK |
Former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has urged Bola Tinubu to declare insecurity a national emergency by imposing a lockdown on the entire country.
He warned that insurgency and banditry in the country might last longer than expected if the government failed to adopt a long-term strategy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the former Army chief emphasised that defeating terrorism required the mobilisation of the entire country, not just the military.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted that the government invested heavily in information, communication, palliatives, and preventive measures that involved all citizens.
His warning comes amid heightened apprehension across the country, especially in the North, following a wave of resurgent attacks that have claimed dozens of lives in recent days.
“But we can do the same thing. We can lock down this country to make sure that everybody concentrates and deals with this concoction of so-called terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers. It is very fundamental, it’s very important,” Buratai stated.
He also cited the nationwide support that followed the Maiduguri flood, where government and citizens rallied to provide relief and rehabilitation for victims, saying such collective action should be replicated in the fight against insurgency.
“The same thing can be done to mobilise everybody to the North-West, psychologically through social media, through the press and so on. Individuals can also support communities,” he added.
Buratai maintained that Nigeria must treat the fight against insecurity as a national emergency requiring the same level of urgency and collective mobilisation as past crises.
Addressing the ongoing debate over the establishment of state police, Buratai expressed support for the idea, noting its potential to enhance grassroots security. However, he cautioned that its success would depend on safeguarding it from political interference and ensuring professionalism, clear operational guidelines, and non-partisan leadership.
Reflecting on the country’s political landscape, the former Army Chief observed recurring patterns of rivalry and tension, urging political leaders to embrace dialogue, unity, and restraint to maintain national stability.
