Addressing the persistent security challenges facing the country, former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.) and fellow security authorities advocated a comprehensive strategy on Friday in Lagos. Speaking at the unveiling of a book titled Beyond Military Force: A Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria, authored by Professor Joan Ugo Mbagwu of Chrisland University, the experts underscored that kinetic approaches alone are insufficient to achieve lasting stability.
What did the former army chief say about military intervention?
Serving as the Guest of Honour at the event held in Lagos State, Buratai acknowledged that military engagement remains vital for confronting armed factions and defending the populace. However, he maintained that armed might cannot unilaterally secure enduring peace without tackling the underlying economic and governance deficits that foster extremism.
"Military force, however professional, is a shield, not a substitute for governance. It can create the conditions for peace, but it cannot by itself build peace," Buratai remarked, reflecting on his tenure spanning from 2015 to 2021.
How can intelligence gathering be improved in counter-insurgency?
According to Buratai, confronting the multifaceted threats prevalent in the North-East and North-West requires a synchronized framework of both military and civilian interventions. He placed heavy emphasis on actionable intelligence and grassroot involvement, explaining that local populations serve as crucial intelligence assets when a foundation of mutual trust is established with security agencies.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the Nigerian Army revised its operational rules of engagement during his administration to uphold global standards, simultaneously instituting human rights desks and institutional accountability structures. He also cautioned against the continuous deployment of military personnel to civil policing duties, urging enhanced capacity-building for the Nigeria Police Force.
What foundational research supports the new publication?
Author Joan Ugo Mbagwu explained that the literary work was developed to shift national perspectives away from an over-reliance on brute force. She recommended increased focus on structured deradicalisation programmes, dialogue initiatives, poverty alleviation, and robust collaboration between the government, grassroots communities, and civil society networks.
Providing historical context to the publication, Buratai noted that empirical field surveys underpinning the book were executed across several regions, including Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The public presentation was chaired by Olubunmi Ajala, who praised the text as a pivotal addition to ongoing discourse regarding national security. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of an honorary award to Buratai in recognition of his service during his years leading the army.