Former Army Chief Says Military Alone Can’t Defeat Terrorism in Nigeria

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), stated that military force alone is not enough to defeat terrorism in Nigeria. He made these comments on Friday in Lagos during the launch of a book titled Beyond Military Force: A Strategy for Countering Terrorism in Nigeria.

Buratai highlighted that while military operations are important, achieving lasting peace requires addressing issues like poverty, unemployment, and poor governance. He pointed out that security challenges in regions like the North-East and North-West need a broader strategy beyond just using weapons.

“Military force, however professional, is a shield, not a substitute for governance,” Buratai said. He explained that while the military can weaken terrorist groups, it cannot eliminate the underlying problems that lead to terrorism, such as poverty and lack of education.

He also stressed the importance of gathering intelligence and involving local communities in counter-terrorism efforts. Buratai noted that security agencies need the trust and cooperation of the communities they serve to be effective. He warned that human rights violations during military actions could drive communities away and help terrorist groups recruit new members.

Buratai called for the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen its counter-terrorism capabilities, stating that the military should not take on roles meant for civilian authorities. He emphasized that when the military is overextended, the root causes of conflict remain unaddressed.

Regarding the rehabilitation of former terrorists, he supported programs that are transparent and community-based, ensuring justice for victims is not overlooked. Buratai also advocated for better cooperation with neighboring countries to combat terrorism, as many terrorist groups operate across borders.

He suggested a state of emergency on poverty in Northern Nigeria to focus on issues like out-of-school children and youth unemployment. Buratai concluded by stating that while poverty is not a direct cause of terrorism, it creates conditions that can lead to recruitment into terrorist groups.